Established in 2009, Black Routes is a network for touring African & Caribbean music in the UK, funded by Arts Council England (ACE), initially for a two-year period. ACE invited submissions to create a new network committed to developing African & Caribbean music through touring, learning and participation, and from this process, five organisations - Africa Oyé, CMAT, Joyful Noise, Punch and Serious - were chosen to deliver this. The organisations were selected to bring a diversity of skills, output, scale, location and experience to the network and there is a commitment between partners to share knowledge, information and expertise to build capacity in the sector.

Each tour is produced and programmed by one of the five individual organisations, however, the network is managed and run in partnership, with partners meeting regularly to discuss programming, marketing and future development. In addition, each partner organisation will produce one associated Learning and Participation project, each year.

Go to the Promoters & Venues section to find information on all the tours currently available for booking. In each tour pack you will be able to find a contact specific to that tour. Alternatively, contact the producing organisation direct via their websites (links can be found on the About page).

If you really can’t find what you’re looking for, e-mail info@blackroutes.org.uk though do allow at least 48 hours for a response.

To get an idea of the sort of work each partner produces, take a look at their websites (links can be found on the About page). Ideally, you should make direct contact with the partner you think most relevant to your artist or project. Alternatively e-mail info@blackroutes.org.uk and your query will be forwarded to the most relevant partner for a response. Artists and organisations can also make applications to Arts Council England direct for tour funding. Visit the Arts Council for more information.

In addition to its touring work, Black Routes produces five Learning and Participation projects each year, each led by one of the individual partner organisations. The format and location of these activities will vary from project to project. For the most up to date information visit the Learning & Participation page. If you see something relevant to you, contact the individual organisation. To be kept regularly up to date, join our e-mail list. If you really can’t find what you’re looking for, e-mail info@blackroutes.org.uk though do allow at least 48 hours for a response.

Arts Council England has made a commitment to fund the Black Routes network, in its current form, for an initial period of two years. Therefore at this moment, it is not possible for other organisations to join the network.

There is no direct link between Black Routes and ACMC, and Black Routes is not intended to fulfill the same remit as the ACMC. However, it was in response to the cessation of ACMC’s activities, that ACE made available funding for a new organisation which would champion and develop African & Caribbean music touring in the UK.

If you are interested in reaching Black Routes audiences, through our regular e-newsletters, which go out every two months, or a link on our website contact Alex Robinson or Janice White to discuss the opportunities.