Since laying our foundations in 2000, UD’s mission has been to educate, empower and create life opportunities for young people inspired by the sounds, words and rhythms of Black Music culture. Consistently evolving our programmes, UD now connects with nearly 2,500 young people a year.
In fact, young people and emerging professionals we have supported now work at industry institutions such as Island Records, Warner ADA, Beats by Dr Dre, Live Nation, Outlook Festival and MTV. Artists we have helped and worked with in their early careers such as Devlin, Dyo, Ghetts, Labrinth, Little Simz and Wretch 32 are now household names.
Whether we’ve helped students find their unique creative voices, offered professional development to industry hopefuls, or provided quality skills and artist development for talented artists and producers, UD’s work transforms lives.
Our annual outcomes are:
2,470
Young people engaged overall
70%+
From communities experiencing racial inequality and disadvantage
50:50
Gender balance
1,000
Participate in taster activity
1,100
Young people attending inner-city secondary schools are engaged
870
Young people develop new creative and digital skills and music industry knowledge
50
emerging professionals achieve level 4 qualification or are supported into creative employment
600
New audiences reached by artists we develop
“My career in music was kickstarted through an internship at this music institution. UD invested time and training to nurture my passion for music, as they do for hundreds of young musicians and creatives who pass through their studio and attend their events.”
Rebecca Wren, Music Programming Manager, Apple Music
