(Photo: Ludus © Kevin Cummins)

Manchester DigitalMusic Archive has received investment from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a groundbreaking digital and physical music heritage project in Manchester. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, Rebel Music: The Sound of Politics and Protest in Manchester explores the intertwined histories of music and political activism across the ten boroughs of the city. The project will focus in particular on the achievements of two under-represented groups: women and the LGBT+ community.

Throughout the project, Manchester Digital Music Archive will be working with teams of volunteers from the two communities to co-produce a programme of events, two physical pop-up exhibitions, a series of digital exhibitions, six short films and three guided heritage walks. The volunteers will also access training on how to preserve and share their own musical heritage. The first physical exhibition, Queer Noise - The History of LGBT+ Music & Club Culture in Manchester, will be held at the People’s History Museum from July-September 2017 as part of Never Going Underground 2017, a major exhibition marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. The second exhibition, Suffragette City - Portraits of Women in Manchester Music, is slated for February 2018 at The Refuge, Manchester and will coincide with 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage.

Manchester Digital Music Archive is a crowd-sourced digital community archive established to celebrate Greater Manchester music and its social history. The Rebel Music project will allow MDMA to update its website and online archive, making it easier for the general public to upload their own music artefacts such as photos, posters, press articles, DJ mixes and videos. The new website will be launched on June 10th at a free event hosted in partnership with Manchester Met: 'It's Alright: A Celebration of Manchester’s Rave Heritage 1985-1995'

Commenting on the award, MDMA co-founder and project leader said Abigail Ward said: “We are thrilled to have been give the opportunity to celebrate and work with two communities who have had an enormous impact on Manchester music. Women and LGBT+ people have shaped some of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and innovative music scenes, yet their contribution is all too often overlooked.”

Nathan Lee, Head of HLF North West said: “Hot on the heels of LGBT+ History month we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th of March. It’s fantastic that, thanks to National Lottery players, we can support this project and help to shine a light on some of Manchester’s less visible musical heritage from women and LGBT+ groups.”

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact: info@mdmarchive.co.uk for more information.