“The program MMI Works was created to honor and enrich Memphis’ musical legacy, by creating high-quality, paid creative development opportunities for youth where their natural talents and abilities are nurtured and cultivated.”
Memphis Music Initiative Overview:
Memphis Music Initiative is a program that invests in and engages with Black and brown youth in Memphis, creating opportunities for them to gain the skills and creative mindset needed to advance in the arts and culture industry. MMI offers both in-school and after-school opportunities, in addition to a summer program that provides students with training and mentorship.
“Our organization is deeply inspired by the rich, musical heritage embodied and expressed through the talents of Memphis youth,” said says Memphis Music Initiative Program Manager, Iris Hollister. “Yet, in spite of the abundance of creative talent, we understand there are a number of socio-economic barriers that challenge youth success.”
What is Memphis Music Initiative Works Summer Program?
Memphis Music Initiative Summer Works Program is a paid opportunity for students in grades 10th-12th to gain both professional and personal development in the world of music and arts. Since 2016, over 200 local students have taken advantage of the opportunity to work with over 25 art organizations throughout the city to gain experience in the field.
“Our organization is deeply inspired by the rich, musical heritage embodied and expressed through the talents of Memphis youth,” said says Memphis Music Initiative Program Manager, Iris Hollister. “Yet, in spite of the abundance of creative talent, we understand there are a number of socio-economic barriers that challenge youth success.”
MMI believes that this presents a great opportunity that allows the youth of our city to enhance their natural artistic abilities.
What will students gain from MMI Works?
“Those joining us should look forward to joining a community of peers and mentors that will help them enhance their creativity, life skills, and overall ability to set and accomplish big goals,” said Hollister. “They’ll also participate in a professional/ personal development series that’ll bring forth the chance to uncover more of their inherent self-worth, while supporting them where they are, and pushing them to where they want to be.”
