UMG’s partnership with the National School of the Arts (NSA)—South Africa’s leading arts education institution—saved this iconic school from closing due to the economic fallout from the pandemic. The partnership will include the “Universal Music Department”, which will cater to 165 students from Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, as well as hands-on support via resources, classes, industry participation and internships.
UMG India’s sponsorship of the Dharavi hip-hop music school for children, located in the largest marginalized residential area in South Asia, has kept its vulnerable students off the streets, fed and in school during the lockdown. Founded by UMG, the director Shekhar Kapur and musician A.R Rahman—both Oscar winners—the school serves as a beacon for young street children.
The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation has supported young musicians and performers, notably via tuition assistance, scholarships, and instrument grants, ensuring that the benefits of music education remain accessible to all children in the UK.
Bravado’s “We’ve got you covered” initiative has made it possible to donate 50,000 masks to food banks, school lunch programs and other community service providers that support families in the United States. The masks were made in partnership with UMG artists.
The new “Task Force for Meaningful Change” has provided extensive support to children throughout 2020 via its philanthropic projects. The organizations supported by the TFMC are active in the fields of housing, shelters, food banks, family support and education.
