The idea
We want to buy a unique stage that can be erected on Kilburn High Road and used by locals to showcase their talent, gain confidence in public performance, and lift the mood of passersby.
We will also be working specifically with locals who suffer from mental health problems, providing musicial tuition and mentorship until they're confident to give their own live performances on Kilburn Rewired Stage.
Our unique stage design, we will help build a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere on Kilburn High Road, connecting local establishments and people from different backgrounds. We aim to de-stigmatise mental health issues and celebrate people, personal development and diversity in Brent.
What we'll deliver
- Design a busking stage that will provide a platform for Kilburn's undiscovered talent.
- Invite people of Brent to perform on the stage
- Manage a group of music performers called B.O.B. (Band of Buskers) to perform at the selected busking spots.
- Organise monthly events at selected spots on Kilburn High Road where there is a wider stretch of pavement.
- Organise weekly music workshops facilitated by qualified music therapists
- Lend the stage out to other community groups when the stage is not in use
Why it's a great idea
It will see the high street transformed into a lively arts space, a hive of arts and entertainment where passers-by can congregate to take in a taste of the local charm and culture. It will improve business to the area as well as increase tolerance of cultural diversity in the area. It will create a welcoming environment, enhance spaces and routes, add vibrancy and generate a sense of place. The stage will offer the many fantastic musicians in Kilburn somewhere to perform free of restriction whilst promoting the music therapy groups. The busker's space creates art that reflects the cultural, social and economic state of their audience in order to engage them in a short period of time. The result is that their music has a different flavour which brings an audience together to share something through laughter and delight.
Steps to get it done
- Accelerate the promotion of the event through different social media and local media.
- Confirm with the venue providers the schedules of our music therapy sessions and workshops to avoid collusions.
- Coordinate the schedules of music therapy sessions and workshops with Richmond Music Trust and other facilitators.
- Coordinate with our volunteers from mental health charities, music colleges, faith groups and others organisations.
- Design and install the busking stage that will attract visitors to the High Road.
- Organise the busking event management plan and coordinate with the local authorities and landlords.
- Register clients and allocate music therapy sessions and workshops slots.
- Run the busking events at the selected spots along Kilburn High Road.
- Run the music therapy sessions, workshops and other music-related activities such as open mic sessions.
Rewired will continue to develop , beyond the March 2017 Mayor's Fund project completion deadline, in line with Rewired's long term 3-5 year plan. The Rewired scheme is operating under the tutelage of Brent Mind's SMT and business development consultants. Eventually we hope to take the stage around London and beyond!
