At an award ceremony at Way Out West on Friday 10th August 2018, Keychange awarded the latest Inspiration Award to the music organisation Popkollo.

The Keychange Inspiration Award honours and celebrates women who have made an extraordinary and pioneering contribution to music and are role models for the next generation and for the Keychange network of 60 talented female artists and industry professionals. Keychange partners select an Inspiration Award winner in each of their countries.

This Swedish award was presented by Ragnar Berthling of MusikCentrum, the Swedish Partner for Keychange who said:
“This award goes to an organisation that has been a pioneer in supporting and inspiring the grassroots of women, transgender and non-binary performers in music. For 15 years they have been a true role model for other music organizations and a driving force in securing a more equal music business for the future. Cheers to Popkollo!”

Popkollo’s Cindy Lee said on behalf of the festival:
“It is important that our work is noted! We are an organization whose gender equality work is done each year by hundreds of people on a 90% voluntary basis . It is time that we get paid for the work that the whole industry finds so important. With that said, we now challenge the industry to donate at least one month’s salary to our cause before the end of the year!”

Vanessa Reed, CEO of PRS Foundation and founder of Keychange said:
“The work of grassroots organisations like Popkollo is crucial to the future success of our industry and to initiatives like Keychange which is striving for the wider industry change that talent development programmes need to maximise their impact. Congratulations to everyone involved in this longstanding example of best practice which is admired and talked about across the world.”

Popkollo is a music camp that takes place all around Sweden and is aimed at all girls and gender non-conforming people who love music. Without the requirement of prior knowledge, the model builds on learning together in a safe environment. Popkollo was initiated by the artist Marit Bergman and a number of Swedish artists have participated in Popkollo’s activities over the years.

Popkollo believes in a world where everyone is entitled to express themselves and develop as musicians, songwriters, artists and producers. Most of the music camps take place during the summer but Popkollo also provides other activities at other times of the year. Popkollo is a nonprofit organization that depends on state support, participation fees and sponsorship.

Awarded at: Way Out West

Expertise: Education.

Link: Website