Charter of Music Technology UK
Article I: Name
The name of this organisation shall be Music Technology UK, herein referred to as “the Association”.
Article II: Mission
Our mission is to drive recognition of the UK as a global leader in music tech innovation. We stand side by side with the UK’s world-leading music industry to maximise opportunities for investment and growth. By building innovative and productive partnerships with music industry stakeholders and supporting new and existing initiatives, Music Technology UK aims to create greater value for all.
Article III: Vision and objectives
The Association envisions a thriving UK music tech ecosystem recognised globally for innovation, collaboration, and growth. To achieve this vision, our objectives are to:
- Foster industry leadership: Position the UK music tech sector as a global leader in innovation and development by advocating for progressive policies and practices.
- Cultivate growth and investment: Stimulate the growth of music tech start-ups and scale-ups by facilitating access to capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
- Create productive partnerships: Create an environment where music tech pioneers and the entire music industry can explore innovative new ways of working together, with the aim of increasing value for all parts of the music industry.
- Nurture talent and innovation: Collaborate with educational institutions to create clear pathways for emerging talent, fostering a culture of innovation that perpetuates the sector’s growth.
- Expand global reach: Empower UK music tech entities to extend their influence and operations internationally, amplifying their presence on the world stage.
- Integrate across media: Leverage the convergence of music with other creative industries to unlock new opportunities and foster interdisciplinary innovation.
- Strengthen community networks: Build a robust network within the music tech community to facilitate knowledge exchange, support, and collective advancement, engaging with existing music industry networks and membership bodies.
- Champion economic advantages: Negotiate and provide access to resources and opportunities that yield financial benefits for our members, allowing them to reinvest in their growth and success.
These objectives aim to create a dynamic and sustainable environment where the UK music tech sector can flourish, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the nation.
Article IV: Initial and ongoing activities
To advance our vision and achieve the objectives outlined, the Association will initiate and maintain a series of strategic activities designed to catalyse growth within the music tech sector:
- Promote industry education: Conduct educational initiatives that provide insights into the evolving needs of the music industry, enabling our members to tailor their innovations and services accordingly.
- Establish mentorship programmes: Develop comprehensive mentorship programmes that connect burgeoning start-ups with seasoned industry veterans to share knowledge, experience, and guidance.
- Facilitate investment opportunities: Organise pitch panels and other events that bring together start-up members and astute investors to fuel economic growth within the sector.
- Build new working environments: Create opportunities for music tech companies to build innovative new models of engagement with labels, DSPs, artists and the wider music industry via sandbox initiatives.
- Launch advocacy campaigns: Initiate discussions and represent the sector’s interests on national and international levels, presenting positions in line with the interests of both music and music tech industries.
- Develop talent pathways: Work in tandem with academic institutions to build bridges for students and emerging talents into the music tech industry, such as careers days, fairs, and internships, ensuring a continuous influx of fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
- Support international presence: Guide and support members in showcasing their offerings at international events via trade visits and delegations, enhancing the global footprint of the UK music tech sector.
- Explore media convergence: Identify and explore the opportunities for members in the intersections of music with other media and creative industries, fostering an environment of cross-industry innovation.
- Host networking events: Facilitate regular networking events to build a strong, supportive community that encourages collaboration and partnership.
- Provide economic benefits: Negotiate with event organisers and service providers to secure discounts and special offers for our members, thereby reducing their operational costs and fostering reinvestment into their core activities.
- Celebrate UK talent: Work with the music industry to create initiatives that celebrate the international impact of the UK’s music talent, including its songwriters and recording artists.
- Launch future initiatives: Remain adaptable to the evolving landscape of music technology, ready to incorporate new activities that support the sector’s growth and our overarching objectives.
Article V: Membership
Membership shall be open to companies that are active in the music technology sector within the UK, including start-ups, scale-ups, and established companies. Membership categories, rights, and privileges shall be detailed in the Association’s bylaws.
Article VI: Governance
5.1. The Association shall be governed by a Chief Executive and an Advisory Board, which shall consist of leading members of the music tech community.
5.2. The Chief Executive and Advisory Board shall be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Association and ensuring the fulfilment of its mission and objectives.
Article VII: Meetings
The Association shall hold quarterly meetings to report on progress, discuss new initiatives, and engage with the membership. Special meetings may be called as necessary.
Article VIII: Working groups
The Association will facilitate the setting up of working groups focused on achieving specific objectives.
Article IX: Amendments
This Charter may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Advisory Board, followed by a simple majority vote of the members at a quarterly meeting.