skip to main content

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021 | 12:51 PM
A guitarist faces out into a crowd, lit with warm purple and yellow lighting.
Giving musicians access to legal support including a non-work related legal helpline, amongst other benefits. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following an approach by the Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

This gives the musicians access to legal support including a non-work related legal help line, a community of musicians to connect with, access to professional networks and advice and guidance on building a career in the UK

This follows donations to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action.

The Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians have launched the Give A Little Bit of Life — Save Afghanistan’s Musicians GoFundMe campaign in partnership with Daanish Foundation UK, Interplay Theatre and South Asian Arts-uk.

To raise money for the campaign and awareness, they are co-producing a number of Feed the Soul Winter Benefit Concerts including two upcoming in London and Leeds, with both streamed online.

All donations and profits from ticket sales will go via Daanish Foundation UK directly to Afghanistan to musicians identified by CPAM who are in the most desperate need of support.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs
A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture
London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Read more about MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign