Supporting the Slambarz Development Initiative

We are proud to support the transformative work of Slambarz, a vibrant project creating opportunities for young people in Sheffield aged 14-26 who are passionate about rap, hip-hop, and other urban music genres. By engaging with young people from diverse and often precarious backgrounds, Slambarz fosters a sense of belonging, creativity, and ambition, while providing pathways into the creative industries.

Through outreach in schools, youth clubs, Pupil Referral Units, and care leaver events, Slambarz connects with young people and invites them to participate in workshops, mentorship sessions, and competitions. These events culminate in inspirational nights at venues like The Leadmill, where talented young artists compete for prizes including studio time, music video production, and live performance opportunities.

With funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority Creative Communities Programme, Slambarz expanded its impact in 2024 by training and mentoring 12 previous winners to become “Slambassadors.” These young leaders shared their journeys in schools, colleges, and youth groups, co-running workshops and pop-up events. Their work culminated in a wider and more diverse pool of participants and audiences for Slambarz events, creating ripples of positive change across Sheffield.

To sustain and grow this momentum, Slambarz plans to extend its reach in 2025 with the support of a Sarah Nulty Large Grant. This funding will empower the Slambassadors to deliver new outreach activities, including:

• Pop-Up Performances for Care Leavers and Refugees
  Hosting an inspiring performance and workshop for care-experienced young people and young refugees at Sharrow Community Forum.

• School and Alternative Provision Visits
  Engaging students in mainstream schools and alternative provisions to inspire participation in future workshops.

• Spring "Come and Try" Event
  A day of hands-on workshops at Site Gallery featuring lyric writing, beat making, camera work, and social media training.

All outreach activities will feed into the flagship Summer Slambarz Competition, offering another six young people the chance to win artist development prizes and perform at Tramlines 2025 or take part in behind-the-scenes creative roles.

Slambarz is a powerful example of how peer-led initiatives can inspire change. By investing in young leaders and giving them a platform to share their stories, the project builds confidence, combats isolation, and provides tangible pathways into education and employment.

We are thrilled to support Slambarz in their mission to amplify young voices, nurture creativity, and inspire the next generation of Sheffield’s artists and innovators.

To find out more about Slambarz visit their website here