venn is an initiative bringing together two organisations working with young people, from different parts of the country, to create and perform new music.  

venn offers an opportunity for young people to explore different communities in the UK, get to know each other, share their stories and experiences and create new music to be performed in each of their hometowns. The project also aims to unlock potential, help build confidence, grow skills and offer real opportunity to build a career in the music industry, for young people facing challenging circumstances from areas of low arts and cultural engagement around the UK. 

The first venn, venn21, funded by Youth Music, took place over 7 months between April and October 2021 and brought together 18 young people from The Warren Youth Project in Hull and The Midi Music Company in Deptford, London. Through a series online and in-person sessions at both locations, the participants made new friends whilst collaborating on songwriting, recording and performing.

The results of this first partnership exceeded everyone’s expectations and, from the feedback we have gathered, made a huge, positive impact on the participants, especially following 12-18 months of limited access to creative opportunities and well-being support due to Covid-19. Venn21 culminated in two outstanding live showcase performances by the participants at 229 The Venue in London and the New Adelphi Club in Hull.