Creativity is being used to cut anti-social behaviour in the city through the launch of a new recording studio in Exeter as a ‘vital diversion for bored teenagers’.
A new project in Exeter is using art and music to help transform some of the city’s anti-social behaviour hotspots, writes local democracy reporter Guy Henderson.
Pictured here is Max Sayers of NooKo with baby Ziggy (right) in the new studio with Nick Hall (MIDI Director) and Dave Knox (Source Studios Producer and Manager.
Photo: with permission.
The Music Industry Development Initiative (MIDI) has just launched the Source Studio in the basement of Concord House on South Street, providing high-specification recording and rehearsal equipment to help local musicians.
MIDI is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016.
The professional recording facilities at MIDI.
Photo: with permission.
The opening of the South Street studio has been supported by NooKo, Arts Council England, the National Lottery, Devon County Council, the Devon Community Foundation, and Devon Music Education Hub.
Its aim is to help artists transition from grassroots creative exploration into high-level career development.
Local police Inspector Nathan Johnson was fundamental in the project, which he says he sees as a way of addressing and reducing anti-social behaviour by linking the city’s established music, sport, and youth networks, to provide a ‘vital diversion for bored teenagers’.
One of the creative areas inside the new studio.
Photo: with permission.
A proactive approach like that from MIDI and NooKo aims to steer young people away from city centre disruption.
Inspector Johnson added: “I believe that helping young people feel known and valued can positively influence how they view themselves and their choices.
“Understanding the root cause of youth anti-social behaviour and connecting projects like MIDI with enablers like NooKo, the city will see a generation of young people moving from anti to positive social behaviour.”
The team are pictured here inside the recording studio.
Photo: with permission.
NooKo director Max Sayers added: “I love the idea of using art and music to reclaim and transform spaces known for anti-social behaviour, creating new opportunities while ensuring we remain an inclusive and accepting city.”
The basement facility is fully soundproofed, remaining nearly silent at street level.
MIDI’s success stories include those of local musicians Finn Thompson and Amelie Robertson, who were busking on the streets before studying music and moving on to play with renowned artists.
