BIMM University Launches Joan Armatrading Scholarship

A Birmingham university has launched a new scholarship with Grammy-nominated singer Joan Armatrading.

The performer and songwriter grew up in the city and began his career at a young age before achieving international success and awards.

Birmingham’s BIMM Institute of Music said it was “excited” to launch the Joan Armatrading Scholarship in September.

Supporting the scholarship was important, she said, because young people need to be involved in music to keep it alive.

The course will offer full tuition fees for three years for a candidate who comes from a low-income family or a group that is underrepresented in higher education, the university said.

James Maiden, Dean of BIMM Music Institute Birmingham Campus, said: “Joan Armatrading is a leading light amongst the many influential artists with links to our city of Birmingham and we are honored and truly excited to launch this partnership with her.

“Joan’s achievements and the substantial impact her career has had on the music industry make her the perfect fit for our scholarship, which will transform a talented student’s opportunity to build a career in music.”

As well as being nominated for a Grammy three times, Armatrading won a coveted Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Collection of Contemporary Songs, collaborated with Elton John and was renowned as a champion of new talent, the university said.

“I also like the enthusiasm of young people,” she said of the scholarship.

“I love how they think they can conquer the world and guess what, the biggest success happens when you’re young and full of optimism.”