Musicians’ Union launches Refugee Musicians Membership scheme

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has today announced the launch of a new Refugee Musicians Membership scheme. Available from today, refugee musicians will now be able to register for a year of MU membership for free.

The news comes ahead of this year’s Refugee Week (19-25 June 2023), a worldwide festival celebrating refugees’ creativity and resilience. Created in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts, a British organisation which works to support and produce art by and about migrants and refugees, the scheme is designed to support refugees who are building music careers in the UK.

MU general secretary Naomi Pohl said: ‘The UK’s musical landscape is richer because of wide-ranging musical influences from across the world, and we’re here to provide support and guidance to all musicians who need us. Solidarity and inclusion are about embracing everyone. We want refugee musicians to flourish, avoid bad deals and exploitation, and have confidence that - should they need help - we’ll be right by their side.’

According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), gaps in the UK asylum system mean that refugees may be at risk of potential exploitation. Refugees may also be unable to report if employers are taking advantage of them. The new scheme will give musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution full access to the MU’s services including workplace representation, legal advice, insurance cover and networking and development opportunities.

Counterpoints Arts director Almir Koldzic said: ‘Access to information, contacts, and support is so important for people who are seeking sanctuary, and with the MU’s support many more musicians will now be able to share their work with the public. This initiative is also a statement of solidarity from the MU and the wide community of musicians they represent, and a strong commitment to a spirit of welcome and inclusivity.’