The Joe Strummer Foundation is a
registered charity that supports aspiring musicians and funds projects which promote new music. The foundation's chief director, Trish Whelan, described it as an effort to cultivate interest and interactivity among young artists. "We are not a label, so there's no ulterior motive for us. It's not a training ground for pop stars, it's about helping people express themselves through music." The foundation extends encouragement and material support to all
unsigned musicians. The foundation operates the "Strummerville Studio", a free workshop and rehearsal space (decorated with handwritten lyrics by Strummer himself) at
The Roundhouse in London. Other charitable facilities include two studios located in
Belfast at the
Oh Yeah music centre and one in
Bogotá, built in partnership with the international non-profit Fairtunes. In 2007, the foundation began operating one of the stages at the
Glastonbury Festival, the annual performing arts event that had become one of Strummer's passions in his later life, dubbing it
The Strummerville Bandstand. Also at Glastonbury is a small campsite named for Strummer that is the scene of intimate fireside performances. The foundation has given support to hundreds of musicians including some, like
Bastille and
Anna Calvi, that have gone on to find wide audiences. The organization is itself often the beneficiary of charity events. In December 2019, a New York City concert marking the 40th anniversary of the release of
London Calling donated all its proceeds to the Strummer Foundation. Participants included
Debbie Harry,
Jesse Malin,
Fred Armisen, and
Eugene Hutz. == Related activities ==