Diversity + Parity Fund: Young Urban Arts Foundation announce their Electronic Music Accelerator Programme

Founded in 2009 by Drum & Bass and Jungle MC Indigo Reign, Young Urban Arts Foundation (aka YUAF) has worked with over 22,000 young creatives from across London. 

With funding from Beatport’s Diversity & Parity Fund, YUAF will deliver a transformative eight-week Electronic Music Accelerator Programme in Hackney, teaching the foundations of music production from beat making to melodies, bass lines and vocal arrangement. The programme is designed to give disadvantaged young people access to the tools to create electronic music as well as the knowledge they need to break into the music industry.
 

YUAF’s iconic Outreach Media Bus—a fully-equipped mobile studio with music production suites, a vocal booth, and space for songwriting and masterclasses will host the programme. Each week, a different module will cover key topics from the basics of production, to how to release music as an independent artist. 

One session will also focus on mental health and wellbeing, addressing a growing need within the music industry and supporting the holistic development of participants. This new and innovative approach will help ensure participants gain a deeper understanding of their craft, creating more comprehensive learning experiences.

This programme is also vital in addressing the lack of accessible resources and mentorship in electronic music. Access to creative opportunities is a significant challenge for many disadvantaged young people, with top DJs and producers remaining overwhelmingly white and male. This leaves talented youth from marginalised backgrounds feeling excluded from creative spaces. 

YUAF aims to address these disparities through the Electronic Music Accelerator Programme, where sessions will be led by diverse, experienced artists— including women and individuals from the Global Majority—offering young people role models they can relate to and learn from. 

Through this training, they are helping to develop the next generation of artists, empowering them to reshape the music industry. Many alumni have gone on to establish themselves in London's electronic music scene, creating a powerful ripple effect as they mentor and inspire others from similar backgrounds. DJ and producer Carly Wilford has been pivotal in amplifying YUAF's message, bringing crucial awareness to the electronic music industry about the barriers young creative Londoners face. This organic growth and industry advocacy has created a self-sustaining ecosystem of talent development and community support.
 

In London, the electronic music scene has reached a critical turning point. Music education is vanishing from school curricula and youth services have faced devastating funding cuts of over 75% in the past decade. As a result of this reduction in support, the capital pulses with untapped creative talent. For the past 16 years, YUAF has been a beacon of creativity and support for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

With a commitment to empowering young Londoner’s through music and the arts, YUAF has helped them discover their potential and build the skills needed to boost their confidence, improve their wellbeing, and strengthen their sense of self-worth. More than just teaching music, YUAF creates a creative community where young people feel safe to express themselves, collaborate with others and have their voices heard. These experiences become a stepping stone for future growth, both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, the Diversity + Parity Fund will be a game-changer for YUAF, providing the opportunity to expand and deepen its music offerings. The focus will shift towards electronic music, a genre that is highly relevant, enabling YUAF to reach an even broader and more diverse group of young people. By expanding its reach, broadening its musical focus, and continually evolving its programme offerings, YUAF is poised to be a leading force in shaping the next generation of artists, innovators, and leaders in music.
 

This programme is about more than music production—it’s about reshaping the narrative of who belongs in the industry. By promoting diversity in electronic music genres, YUAF ensures young people of all identities feel seen and heard, fostering a more inclusive and equitable music world.

For YUAF, success lies in creating a cultural shift: a music industry where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritised, and young artists can see themselves reflected. By addressing barriers and expanding access, YUAF is building a creative ecosystem that is richer, more varied, and impactful for future generations.

Applications open now for YUAF's Electronic Music Accelerator Programme