Turning City Chaos into Cool Beats: Music Studio's Social Remix

In Exeter, Devon, a new project is working to reduce anti-social behaviour among young people by encouraging them to get involved in music and art. The Music Industry Development Initiative, known as MIDI, has started at the Source Studio, a creative space that offers recording and rehearsal equipment for local musicians. The studio is bright and welcoming, with white walls and orange artwork, and is managed by Nick Hall and Dave Knox. Their goal is to help young people move from just exploring their creativity to actually building careers in music, while also keeping them away from causing trouble in the city centre.

The project is supported by several organizations, including property developer NooKo, the National Lottery, Devon County Council, and the Devon Music Education Hub. MIDI aims to connect young people with opportunities in music, giving them a positive focus and helping them feel valued. Insp Nathan Johnson from Devon and Cornwall Police believes that when young people feel recognized and supported, they are more likely to make good choices. He says that understanding why young people sometimes act out and giving them positive activities can help change their behaviour for the better. MIDI is also working with other groups in the city, like sports and youth networks, to create a strong support system.

Recently, the city council, police, and business leaders launched a campaign to make the city centre safer and more welcoming for everyone. Max Sayers from NooKo said he loves the idea of using art and music to change places that used to have problems with anti-social behaviour. He believes that creating new opportunities for young people can help transform these areas. Community safety officers and police are also working together to keep the city centre safe, and there are events like parades and art installations to make the city more lively and inclusive. With projects like MIDI, Exeter hopes to inspire a new generation of young people to choose creativity and positive actions over causing trouble.