Nitin Sawhney Inducted as Fellow of Global Music Charity, In Place Of War

16 November 2021 - Press release

  

Multi-award-winning composer and musician, Nitin Sawhney, was awarded a Fellowship of charity, In Place Of War, at an event hosted by the Manchester India Partnership organisation last week.

In Place Of War is a global organisation that uses creativity, especially music, and cultural entrepreneurship as tools for change, to bring hope and provide a voice for marginalised communities, in places of conflict in 26 countries. Its work, connected via a network of over a hundred grassroots change-makers across the Global South, using music, theatre and the visual arts, to build sustainable peace, and to sustain livelihoods, impacts hundreds of thousands each year. The charity’s Fellowship programme was established to recognise artists who have contributed to positive impact consistently throughout their careers and includes some of the world’s most influential artists, performers and entertainment organisations. Nitin Sawhney joins Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson, Mary Eavers, Maxine Peake and Run The Jewels as existing Fellows of the charity. 

In his citation to Sawhney, composer, producer, musician, polymath and Chair of Trustees for the PRS Foundation, at the event held at Lancashire Cricket Club, In Place Of War’s Chair of Trustees, Vikas Shah MBE, said, “Through his career, Nitin has had a consistent commitment to celebrating the arts, enabling new music, developing talent, and advocacy for the causes he is most passionate about. Nitin has introduced global sounds to new audiences, breaking cultural barriers and narratives. His work has influenced millions. His work represents everything we should look-up to. He has a deep intellect, matched with a formidable creativity, and a moral, ethical and human truth that has rightly made him one of the most influential and impactful artists of modern times.”

On receiving the Fellowship, Sawhney said, “I am delighted to receive such a unique award. Just to hold this object with its history, provenance and all it represents, is humbling. The work of In Place Of War is incredible and I’m proud to be associated with that through this Fellowship.”

For In Place Of War CEO, Ruth Daniel, Sawhney has been a lifelong influence. She said, “Nitin has made a huge impact on my life, changing the way I think about music...It is people like Nitin, who break moulds and influence the way people experience and understand the world.”

  

Nitin Sawhney CBE with his In Place Of War Fellowship award

A passionate advocate for climate change action, the award chosen to mark Sawhney’s Fellowship was designed by artist, Alice Cunningham,renowned for her sculptural carvings and work in social engagement. She created the bespoke piece for the occasion using raw materials from Aust Cliff in Gloucestershire, formed over 230 million years ago, part of the University of Bristol's earth science collection. Her work uses art to spark a discussion around climate change.

 

Read more about the work of In Place Of War here.