Memphis Music Initiative

When five MMI Works alumni received the call to join British-Nigerian R&B artist Shaé Universe on her European tour, it was an invitation to go beyond the classroom and into the heart of the music industry. Traveling from Memphis to stages in Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Birmingham, and London, these young creatives stepped into real, high-stakes roles—gaining firsthand experience in managing backstage operations, capturing live performances, and navigating the unpredictable realities of bringing art to life on the road. This immersive journey highlighted how creativity thrives through adaptability, grit, and global collaboration. Hear from three of our alumni on the MMI blog: https://lnkd.in/eeSK24wB And stay tuned—our video recap of the trip is coming soon! #MemphisIsMusic #MMIWorks #ShaeUniverse #CreativeYouth #ArtsIndustry #HandsOnExperience #CreativityUnleashed #CreativeYouthDevelopment #MusicIndustry

On Saturday, we wrapped up our two-part Free Game Videography/Photography Workshop series, and it was truly inspiring! ???? These captures by attendees Bailey Hanna and Brieanna Mills highlight the incredible talent and creativity on display. It was a joy connecting with such a dynamic group of Memphians, including MMI Works alumni and new faces alike. Huge thanks to our facilitators Brandon McCoy, aka Bnodd, and MMI's own April Freeman for delivering an impactful and immersive experience, equipping participants with the skills to capture the energy and authenticity of live performance. Four of these rising creatives will even have the opportunity to showcase their skills by shooting our Free Game Open Mic event on November 25! ?? #MemphisCreatives #VideographyWorkshop #PhotographySkills #LivePerformanceCapture #MMIWorks #MemphisEvents #CreativeYouthDevelopment

We’re proud to share growth and leadership at MMI! ?? Please help us congratulate: ? Dr. Rychetta Watkins, now Vice President of Grantmaking and Capacity Building ? Kathy Lindenmayer, now Vice President of Development and Communications ? Brianna Harrington, now Director of Partnerships ? Jen Prince, now Director of Communications and PR These outstanding leaders have been recognized for their hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication to transforming lives through music and creativity. Each promotion reflects their commitment to the young people, artists, and communities of Memphis. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eWtGYuhZ #MemphisIsMusic #CreativeYouthDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth #MusicMatters #ArtsAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #TeamMMI #MusicLeadership

“Songwriting is an important social and emotional outlet,” says Amber Hamilton, President and CEO of Memphis Music Initiative. “These times are very uncertain and challenging for young people in terms of their emotional health, so we need to give young people as many creative outlets to discuss their feelings as possible.” At Memphis Music Initiative, we’re dedicated to giving youth opportunities to tell their stories, process their emotions, and shape their futures through music. We are grateful to Memphis Magazine for amplifying this critical work and message. Read the full article here > https://lnkd.in/eG6nEeZa #MemphisIsMusic #DigitalSkills #YouthDevelopment #MusicAndMentalHealth #SocialInnovation #CreativeIndustries #YouthVoice #ArtsAdvocacy #WorkforceDevelopment

We're thrilled to congratulate DeMarcus Suggs on his new role as Director of Creative and Cultural Economy for the City of Memphis! DeMarcus has long been a champion for the arts in our community and was featured in our Call and Response series—watch his star turn here: https://lnkd.in/eHx8d3-r This appointment represents a major milestone for our city. As Rachel Knox, senior program officer for arts and culture at the Hyde Family Foundation, told the Daily Memphian: “The easiest way to explain is that for the first time in the city’s history, we’ve created what is basically an Office of Arts and Culture... It will allow us to be very intentional in helping us to increase the investment in the creative economy.” This role is especially meaningful to us at MMI, as we’ve worked to highlight the importance of arts in government leadership. We’re eager to see DeMarcus continue shaping Memphis’s creative future. #ArtsAdvocacy #Leadership #MemphisIsMusic #CreativeLeadership #PublicArtPolicy #ArtsAndCulture #MemphisCreativeEconomy #ArtsEquity #CommunityArts #ArtsForChange #CulturalInvestment

Share with the young creatives in your life! MMI's upcoming Free Game Open Mic invites young Memphis creatives (16+) to perform with a live band and get professional recordings of their time on stage. Don’t miss this chance to boost your exposure and build your portfolio! Featuring special performances by Memphis artists Kourtney and Tim Walker. ?? Monday, November 25 | Doors at 6:30 PM, Event 7 - 10 PM Sign up here > https://buff.ly/4epYSip #MemphisIsMusic #PerformanceOpportunity #CreativeMemphis #ArtistDevelopment #LivePerformanceMemphis #MusicNetworking #StageReady #MemphisArtsScene #EmergingArtists #MusicShowcaseMemphis #TalentSpotlight #OpenMicShowcase #YoungMusicians #PortfolioBuilding #MemphisCulture #CreativeYouth

?? Young creatives of Memphis, get some Free Game! Learn to capture the energy of live performance at our upcoming Photography & Videography Workshop, led by MMI's April Freeman and Brandon McCoy (credits: Key Glock Tour, Shae Universe Tour). This hands-on experience is perfect for all skill levels, and four selected participants will be paid to shoot the Open Mic on November 25! ?? Part 1: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10 AM - 12 PM ?? Part 2: Saturday, Nov. 16 | 10 AM - 12 PM All experience levels welcome. Light refreshments provided. Register here: https://buff.ly/40TVKZd #FreeGameWorkshops #LivePhotography #MemphisCreatives #MemphisIsMusic

Today’s the day, Memphis! Your voice has power—make it heard. Polls are open across Shelby County from 7am-7pm. Remember to go to your designated polling location; if you’re in line by 7pm, you’ll still be able to vote! Find your precinct on the Shelby County Election Commission website. https://buff.ly/3YTGfyE #ElectionDay #YourVoiceYourFuture #MemphisIsMusic #Vote2024 #YouthVote #MakeYourVoiceCount #JusticeAndEquity

Next Thursday, tune in as our President and CEO, Amber Hamilton, shares insights in the keynote session for the National Guild for Community Arts Education’s 2024 conference. "Remaining Encouraged and In Courage: How We Will Rise Through Uncertain Times" airs November 7 from 12-1pm CST. Want to check it out? Register here: https://buff.ly/3C4oYdt About the session: Amid uncertainty from elections, global events, and rising costs, this session will focus on finding encouragement and demonstrating courage for our community, artists, and ourselves. #CommunityArtsEducation #NationalGuild #MemphisIsMusic #ArtsLeadership #Philanthropy #NonprofitArts #ArtInCommunity #CourageInUncertainty #ArtsConference2024 #CivicEngagement

From the Orange Mound Music Festival last weekend! ?? Huge thanks to our friends at Young Actors Guild for creating such an impactful community experience. It’s always inspiring to see Memphis come together to celebrate art, music, and culture. #TBT #OrangeMoundMusicFestival #MemphisCommunity #MemphisMusic #MusicFestival #CommunityEvent #YouthInArts #ArtsInMemphis #MemphisCulture #SupportingTheArts #OrangeMound #MemphisIsMusic