skip to main content

Due to the ongoing global Microsoft outage, we are currently unable to send or receive emails. If your enquiry is urgent, please call us Contact

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

The UK flag waving in the wind next to the European Union flag, outside the Houses of Parliament.

Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe

More than 300 music, live performance and cultural organisations across the UK and EU have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders calling on them to use a key summit to break the deadlock over touring the UK and European Union.

Published: 13 November 2026

Read more about Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe
Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists