This years MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards ceremony will take place in Leeds on Wednesday 4 November, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the event.

Ahead of that, the organisation behind the event has revealed a MOBO Fellowship scheme to provide opportunities for talented people with artistic qualities from diverse backgrounds.

The idea is to open the doors to chances that wouldn’t usually be within reach for them, thus providing the key to develop their skills and ambition.

The debut of the campaign will work with partners including ITV, The London Theatre Consortium, The Tate, Saatchi & Saatchi, London College of Fashion and more.

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With a variety of businesses involved in the Fellowships, each partner will concentrate on connecting with “fellows” that have started in the industry and who are looking for the next step.

According to MOBO, it allows it to “support its fellows through bespoke educational programmes, helping to develop the next generation”.

Some 27 Fellowship opportunities are available, crossing sectors such as advertising, music and fashion, with the aim of allowing fellows to progress and filter their diverse backgrounds into businesses and industries from the top.

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For example, The Designers’ Fellowship will allow three emerging designers to have a pop-up in the Warehouse flagship store on Oxford Street for a day. During the day, they will be able to meet press members and fashion leaders before embarking on a one-year programme comprising mentoring and workshops to enhance their skills.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the first MOBO Fellowships scheme and look forward to the positive changes and results they will bring about,” said Kanya King, CEO and founder of the MOBO organisation.

“The reason we developed the Fellowships is to create opportunities for future generations of exceptional talent that are already on the cusp of success, but need a bit of a step into their industry. We’re also very proud to have the support of so many fantastic organisations such as Warehouse, ITV and Saatchi & Saatchi, among many others.”

By Zen Terrelonge