Over the past year, mjazz has continued to strengthen its role as a regional development organisation for contemporary jazz across the Midlands, supporting artists, promoters, audiences and communities through collaboration, partnership and long-term investment in the sector.
Working with an expanding network of delivery partners across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Lincoln and Northampton, mjazz has focused on creating the conditions for jazz to thrive regionally — not only through performance opportunities, but also through artist development, education, participation and infrastructure support.
A key area of impact has been the continued support for grassroots promoters and emerging talent. Through initiatives such as the New Promoters Scheme, mjazz has helped develop the confidence, skills and sustainability of local promoters, enabling them to create new events, grow audiences and contribute to a more vibrant and resilient jazz ecology. This investment in people is essential to ensuring that the future of jazz in the Midlands is diverse, ambitious and locally rooted.
mjazz has also strengthened its commitment to inclusion and access. Across its programmes, the organisation has worked to engage underrepresented communities and create clearer pathways into jazz for young people and emerging artists. Its evolving education and participation work places improvisation, creativity and collaboration at the centre of learning, helping participants develop confidence, artistic voice and transferable life skills.
Partnership working remains central to the mjazz model. Rather than operating as a single venue or festival, mjazz acts as a connective organisation — bringing together independent promoters, venues, educators, artists and community organisations to share knowledge, resources and opportunities. This collaborative approach has enabled the organisation to extend its reach and amplify impact across the region.
At the heart of mjazz’s work is a belief that jazz is more than a musical genre. It is a creative practice built on listening, improvisation, collaboration and experimentation — values that have the power to strengthen communities, support cultural identity and inspire innovation. As mjazz continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to help create a lively, dynamic and inclusive Midlands jazz sector where artists, audiences and communities can flourish together.
Download the report here
