Musicians’ Union offers refugee musicians free membership

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has launched a Refugee Musicians Membership scheme, providing refugee musicians free access to one year of the Union’s membership. 

The suggestion for the Refugee Musicians Membership reportedly came from MU members directly ahead of Refugee Week (19–25 June) , and aims to help participants to ‘avoid bad deals and exploitation’.

Working with Counterpoints Arts, the MU general secretary Naomi Phol says they wish to ‘provide support and guidance to all musicians’, and that ‘solidarity and inclusion are about embracing everyone’. 

As part of the move, musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution will have full access to the MU’s advice and services including contract advice, legal advice and insurance cover relating to their work as musicians.Members who join the scheme will also have access to expert advice through the MU’s regional offices across the UK, and a regular programme of training and networking events.

Counterpoints Arts director Almir Koldzic said: ‘We’re delighted to be collaborating with the MU on their offer of free membership for refugees who are professional musicians. 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.’

Anyone wanting to join the MU on this offer can do so via Counterpoints Arts by emailing hello@counterpointsarts.org.uk.

More information about MU membership can be found at themu.org/refugee-musicians