The University of South Wales has agreed an exciting new partnership with Orchard Live, Wales’s largest independent live music promoter, ahead of Immersed! Festival which comes to Cardiff in February.
The partnership will see Orchard Live support and promote the festival, which is entirely run by USW students, as well as the launch of a Graduate Award for Outstanding Work.
Connor Cupples, Operations Manager and Promoter at Orchard Live, already teaches BA Popular and Commercial Music students at USW on the benefits of working on live events.
He said: “We became involved with the delivery of Immersed! Festival last year, and it was a great experience to work with the students and help finalise the event with them from a ticketing and marketing perspective. Now, by partnering with USW, we’re looking to grow and develop alongside the students for the festival this year.
“Being involved in these types of events is vital for them because they have the opportunity to see the on-the-ground working of the event from start to finish, not just in a classroom but actually inside a venue. That way they can deal with any issues as the event develops. Working with major artists is also going to be key for them.
“We’ve had a number of USW students who have worked on Immersed! in the past and have come to us for freelance work and internships, who have gone on to work for Orchard Live or other companies around the globe. Having that first-hand experience is so important to future employers.”
The Orchard Live Graduate Prize aims to recognise the achievements of USW Music & Sound graduates on this year’s Immersed! Festival, with the winner being awarded an internship with the internationally-recognised company.
Lucy quote, Head of Music and Drama at USW, added: “We are simply thrilled to announce our partnership with Orchard Live and the value it provides through a real-world simulated learning experience that replicates current industry practices. There’s never been a more exciting time to have a career in the music industry, and we thank Orchard for supporting USW in igniting opportunities for our students.”
