CMAT evolved organically out of the development, quality and ‘track record’ of the UK’s internationally acclaimed a cappella quintet, Black Voices, who acquired what was then the Grosvenor Studio Complex in 2002 with support from Arts Council England (ACE).
At that time, the building was a family home and site of the Hollick & Taylor recording studio which had existed for over 50 years and was especially popular in the 60s and 70s.
From inception, Black Voices decided to convert the building into a Social Enterprise and Music Technology Arts Centre offering programmes and services in the arts, music
and technology, and appointed a dynamic board of seven directors to lead it forward.
The ‘cosy’ family home had to be refurbished and equipped for its 21st century purpose. Phase 1 of the development plan is now complete and CMAT has started offering the programmes which Black Voices had envisaged.
We plan to work in genuine partnerships with other local and regional groups to ensure that access and participation is open to all and that the Centre itself becomes a hub for developing what is popularly termed, ‘World Music.’