Music studio aims to prevent anti-social behaviour
NooKoA new project is using art and music to help transform a city's anti-social behaviour hotspots.
The Music Industry Development Initiative (MIDI) has been launched at the Source Studio in Exeter, Devon, which provides recording and rehearsal equipment to help local musicians.
The aim was to help artists transition from grassroots creative exploration into high-level career development, and steer young people away from city centre disruption, project leaders said.
Insp Nathan Johnson, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the project would address and reduce anti-social behaviour by linking the city's established music, sport and youth networks.
The studio has been backed by property developer NooKo, the National Lottery, Devon County Council and Devon Music Education Hub.
Johnson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "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."
In March, police, the city council and business leaders launched a "safety charter" in a bid to make Exeter "safe, inclusive and welcoming" for everyone and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Max Sayers, NooKo director, said he "loved the idea of using art and music to reclaim and transform spaces known for anti-social behaviour" while "creating new opportunities".
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