Sting Donates Polar Music Prize Money to "Songlines" by JM Sweden

World-renowned singer/songwriter Sting received the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm on 15 June 2017 and will generously donate his prize money to Songlines, an organization that offers young refugees in Sweden access to integrated music activities while helping to bridge cultural gaps that may exist after their relocation.

“It feels amazing that the youth taking part in Songlines will receive this support from an iconic artist such as Sting. These are brave young people who have fled war and oppression in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Eritrea. Music is a fantastic tool for integration! Through music, new friendships are formed and language skills are developed. In this project, we can really see tomorrow’s new musical talents grow,” says Julia Sandwall, national coordinator for Songlines.

Sting, currently on the 57th & 9th world tour in support of his latest pop/rock album of the same name, adds: ”I was deeply honoured to receive this year’s Swedish Polar Music Prize and now, I am delighted to donate the prize money to the Swedish youth initiative Songlines. Music can help build bridges and this project highlights the vital role that music can play in providing young refugees the opportunity to connect with a new society.”

Songlines creates musical opportunities at schools, concert and culture halls as well as in youth housing projects. Songlines will use the gift from Sting to organise music camps, arrange concerts and purchase much-needed musical instruments.

About Songlines

Songlines is a project – by and for young refugees – which aims to ensure that all young people should feel hope and belief in the future. The initiative focuses on increasing integration by giving all children and young people the opportunity to express themselves through music. Songlines collaborate with choirs, orchestras, music groups and schools, as well as organisations and festivals throughout the country.

The three-year project started in January 2017 and is financed by the Swedish Inheritance Foundation (Arvsfonden). Songlines is a collaborative project, between KulturUngdom, documentary filmmaker Helena Isaksson, Jeunesses Musicales Sweden (JMS) and Sweden’s Organisation for Young Unaccompanied Refugees (SEF).

For more information, please contact: Julia Sandwall, national coordinator, Songlines, +46 (0)73-505 38 34, julia.sandwall@songlines.se

Press photos

Sting TIF  (foto: Eric Ryan Anderson)

Sting JPG (foto: Eric Ryan Anderson)

Sting JPG (foto: Rebecca Blissett)

Short facts: Polar Music Prize

This year’s Polar Music Prize was awarded to the British artist and composer Gordon Sumner (AKA Sting) and the American jazz musician, saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.

Sting, according to the prize jury, has ”never settled down and lived off old merits, but anchored himself in more musical harbours than perhaps any other artist in his generation. As a composer Sting has combined classic pop craftsmanship with virtuous musicality and an openness to all genres and the tones of the world”. Sting also has a long-standing commitment to human rights and environmental organizations.

For more information about Songlines here