Ed O’Brien of Radiohead to collaborate with BBC Radio 4 in airing Manchester charity appeal
BBC Radio 4 is set to air an appeal on behalf of the music charity In Place of War, based in Manchester, by none other than Radiohead’s very own Ed O’Brien this weekend.
Originally starting as a research project by Professor James Thompson from The University of Manchester in 2004, In Place of War has now evolved into a global organization. It utilizes the power of music to bring about positive change in areas affected by conflict across 30 different countries.
On Sunday 4th February, the charity will broadcast their appeal for donations on BBC Radio 4. To encourage support, the charity’s loyal followers have pledged to match the funding donations raised by the appeal, up to a total of £7,000.
Ruth Daniel, CEO and Artistic Director of the charity, expressed her excitement, stating that this appeal provides a unique opportunity to reach a vast audience and generate donations for their #HackMusic Catalyst Fund initiative. The campaign aims to support grassroots music projects in conflict-affected areas, where music acts as a unifying force. These projects offer an alternative to violence, give a voice to marginalized communities, and empower individuals to use creativity in transforming cultures of conflict and suffering into hope, opportunity, and freedom.
The #HackMusic Catalyst Fund selects projects from a network of over 130 partner organizations committed to positive social change through music. Successful applicants are awarded a seed funding grant of £3,000, alongside guidance from a carefully chosen mentor from the international music industry. In addition, music manufacturers such as Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ, and Roland provide further support through equipment donations.
Among the current recipients of the Fund are organizations using music and theatre to rehabilitate former ISIS members in Lebanon, protecting the culture of indigenous communities affected by climate change in the Peruvian-Colombian border area, and using music to offer an alternative to gang violence in Colombia.
For those interested, tune in to BBC Radio 4 at the following times to hear the appeal: Sunday 4th February at 07:54 and 21:25, and Thursday 8th February at 15:27. Further information can be found on the In Place of War website.
