Rapper and grime artist Reepa helped young people in the city in October last year
Aspiring musicians in Wolverhampton will be able to get help from industry experts to develop their skills thanks to a £30,000 grant.
The Road2Release project at Wolverhampton Art Gallery first ran for a week in October with local grime artist Reepa.
It has since been extended for six weeks with three groups across the year to offer more in-depth support for under 25s.
The funding from the Youth Music aims to "support projects that trial new ways of working, sustain grassroots programmes, or disrupt the status quo", the city council said.
Participants will gain access to music industry experts and hands-on experience in a professional setting as well as paid opportunities to develop and showcase their skills, said charity Youth Music, which helps marginalised young people to make and monetise music.
The programme was set up to nurture local talent and "reimagines the role that museums and galleries can play in supporting the music industry," a spokesperson added.
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills at Wolverhampton City Council, said they were "thrilled" to receive the funding.
"This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the resources and opportunities to thrive in the music industry," he said.
"By partnering with local artists like Reepa, we are creating a vibrant, supportive environment where emerging musicians can connect, learn, and grow.
"This project not only enriches our community but also empowers our young people to pursue their passions and build successful careers in music."
Last summer the grime artist wrote a visual love letter paying homage to his home city of Wolverhampton to show people "the pride I have for our community, for our people".
Tell us which stories we should cover in Wolverhampton
Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external.
Music festival set to arrive in Wolverhampton
Rapper pens love letter to shine light on home city
Young musicians get bigger stage after £10k donation
Music course aims to support young men
Youth Music Trailblazer Fund
'Wonder Woman' thanks Birmingham medics who 'gave her the rest of her life'
West Midlands PCC quizzed over violent crime in Walsall
Wolverhampton Sea & Royal Marine Cadets Showcase Evening
Man charged after multiple shop thefts in Walsall
Asmodee’s ‘The Power of Play’ campaign with Imagination Gaming hits 1 million milestone
Driver runs away from police leaving woman and small baby in van
Trump says US is 'putting a lot of pressure' on Russia and Ukraine, as Kyiv death toll rises
Why Zelensky can't and won't give up Crimea
UK edges towards youth visa deal with EU
Why Zelensky can't and won't give up Crimea
If the UK has more renewable energy, why aren't bills coming down?
South Africa and Ukraine woo each other – as relationships with Trump turn sour
'We all eat chocolate digestives wrong'
Why are people living in the shadow of 'mega-sheds'?
Five cards China holds in a trade war with the US
Millions of vapes seized in illegal trade crackdown
Royal Watch: Get the latest royal stories and analysis with Sean Coughlan’s weekly newsletter
Anti-Hamas protests on rise in Gaza as group's iron grip slips
The ultimate crash course in interior design is back
A unique peek into Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash's life
Seven celebrities take on a pilgrimage through the Alps
Stacey Dooley explores Britain’s shoplifting epidemic
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
Musical talent in Wolverhampton nurtured through £30,000 project – bbc.co.uk
