The Basement Music Academy
The Basement is a new visionary space for young people in the heart of Helston, providing health and well being activities for teenagers. We have already secured The Tide climbing centre as a key partner and are now looking for the someone or a group of people with the drive and enthusiasm to create a one of kind music facility utilising our custom designed events space and recording facilities. We are here to support the venture every step of the way and offer a great financial package to support the right application.
Following an in-depth consultation period with young people we are on track to deliver their top priorities in our town centre space. Climbing, live music and recording facilities, roller and silent discos and exercise facilities were all up there. And the music part is where you come in, could you be our catalyst to make something really special happen?
We have big dreams of our own, but are open to hearing your thoughts and vision for the longterm success of this combined venture.
Our ultimate ambition is to have our town animated with musical performances, hosting grassroots music festivals, events and carnivals. We want the voices of our young people to be amplified and heard beyond the Tamar making Helston the music capital of The South West, always with an eye on becoming a world renowned centre for young talent development. Can you think that big?
Invitation for expressions of interest
About This Opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic team or individual with a compelling vision to establish and operate The Basement Music Academy. An organisation based on empowering young musicians, DJs, performers and wanna be technicians (as well as engaging those who are curious or aspire to be any of the above) from South Kerrier to create, record, and perform across diverse musical genres.
Service Requirements
These are negotiable but please be aware that any scaling of opening/access times for young people will be reflected in the financial contribution offered.
Core Operations
Event Management
Set up and manage equipment for Friday evening silent and roller discos
Programme and coordinate Saturday evening headline acts within agreed budget parameters
Curate diverse programming featuring local bands, DJs, and special headline performances
Offer the opportunity for young people to meet and jam with booked and local performers
Coach and encourage young people to support headline acts
Host Sunday afternoon open mic, jam, and busking sessions
Identify Opportunities and Signpost to Educational Programmes
Guide young people toward suitable music tuition with trusted partners (funded through parent payments or scholarship/bursary schemes if needed)
Develop and deliver structured musical education programmes that sit outside of those already offered in Cornwall
Identify opportunities to support young people and fundraise to deliver new and exciting programmes
Identify exciting partner organisations and funding opportunities with an eye on always extending and diversify our offer
Create apprentice and early career opportunities
Recording & Coaching Services
Operate recording facilities Wednesday to Friday, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (with the potential to operate on Monday and Tuesday evenings as well)
Provide coaching and technical guidance to academy members
Manage hourly booking system for academy members
Deliver high-quality recording and production support
Establish a school holiday provision
Compliance & Safeguarding
Ensure all staff and volunteers complete enhanced DBS checks
Implement and maintain robust safeguarding systems that adhere to The Basement and South Kerrier Alliance’s Safeguarding policies
Attend monthly Youth Programming Board meetings facilitated in partnership with The Basement
What We Provide
Financial Support
We are open to employment, freelance and contract models: It could be that you are existing organisation wishing to make a tender for the space, a group of free-lance individuals looking to create a CIC or an individual that needs the security of a regular salary. Our focus is on the right person or people to make something exceptional happen, so let’s talk!
Programming: We will provide monthly financial support for booking acts and events dependant on ticket revenue forecast and generated – The Basement takes the risk and ring fences surplus revenue for re-investment in the following financial year/contract year.
Performance-Based Reinvestment Model: Profits from activities will be reinvested to enhance future programmes and further develop the academy.
Our initial investment could be just the start, we are more than happy for our seed funding to be utilised for match funding.
Venue & Support
Venue Capacity: 200 people
Target Sales: 150 tickets per show plus 20 complimentary places for young people
Booking System: Existing comprehensive booking and reservation management
Marketing Support: Professional marketing assistance to maximise event attendance
Contract Terms
Initial one-year contract with potential for renewal based on performance
Monthly financial reviews tied to programming budget allocation
Expressions of Interest
Our number one priority is finding the right partner(s) for us and the young people of Helston and the Lizard. We understand that launching an academy will be hard work so we value passion, ambition and drive above all else. We will be here to support your journey but ultimately it will be your vision that we will be investing in. It might be that you are very specialised in one area but open to working with other like minded passionate individuals, if this is the case do still tell us about yourself but be sure to highlight that you would be happy to be part of a curated team! Remember, we are all about your ambition and vision!
Tell us about that vision in one paragraph, no longer than half a page of A4 or if it is easier send us a voice note or brief video (no longer than 5 minutes).
Please send these to jonathan@lovehelston.co.uk before midnight the 29 September.
Following the EOI process, we will invite selected individuals or groups to submit a full application and business plan.
Expected Application Requirements
An inspiring vision that aligns with the values of The Basement and South Kerrier Alliance
Strong track record in youth or music education and development
Experience in event programming and venue management
Commitment to safeguarding and working with young people
Technical expertise in recording and sound production
Business acumen for budget management and revenue generation
A clear vision for developing South Kerrier’s musical talent
