November 05, 2008

By By Jen Wilson, London

The Jerwood Charitable Foundation and the PRS Foundation for New Music (PRSF) have announced the fifth edition of Take Five, a U.K. artist development initiative targeted at emerging jazz musicians.

Having run four successful editions so far, the scheme has now earned the additional support of Arts Council England and the Musicians Benevolent Fund. Serious, the London-based producer of live jazz, is also backing the scheme.

Take Five V will mentor eight jazz artists and the program will run from November 2008 to June 2009, comprising a number of one-to-one and group sessions, as well as education on composition, studio technology, live producing and strategic direction.

"However you define jazz, there is a wealth of extremely talented musicians practising in the U.K. working within and on the edges of the world that is jazz," said Roanne Dods, director Jerwood Charitable Foundation, in a statement. "I am so proud that, with PRSF and Serious, we have found such a unique and uplifting way of finding them, and working with them, to help build their careers and get their music into the world."

"The results of our five-year investment in this scheme have surpassed our expectations," added Vanessa Reed, interim director PRS Foundation for New Music. "Many former 'Take Fivers' have proved themselves as leading performers and creators, pushing the boundaries of the UK's increasingly vibrant jazz scene. We are delighted that Arts Council England and the Musicians Benevolent Fund have joined us to secure its future, allowing the scheme to grow and thrive."

Take Five V will be officially launched with a free public event on Nov. 20 at the Barbican in London.

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