Our HeartBeats: Finding Sanctuary on the Decks

Two years in — and what comes next

As we approach two years of Our HeartBeats, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how far the project has come — and what we’re building next.

What started during Refugee Week 2024 as a small pilot, in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts, has grown into an independent Community Interest Company supporting young people from refugee and displaced backgrounds to access music, develop creative practice and step into the wider music ecosystem.

In less than two years, participants from Our HeartBeats have performed at Glastonbury, We Out Here Festival, Roundhouse, The Conduit and across radio stations and venues in London. Along the way, we’ve seen artists grow in confidence, develop their sound and begin shaping their own paths within music.

Our approach combines DJ training with mentorship, community-building and ongoing support. Participants learn technical skills — from mixing and music selection to building sets — but just as importantly, they gain access to networks, opportunities and spaces that can often feel out of reach.

At its core, Our HeartBeats is about creating pathways - not just moments.

The next chapter

This year, we’re launching the next phase of the programme.

From April to June, we’re delivering a new series of workshops at Southbank Centre, working with a new cohort of participants as they develop their skills and prepare for their first public performances.

The programme will culminate in a full-day event on Saturday 27 June 2026 as part of Refugee Week 2026: Our HeartBeats: Courage in Creativity

This event will bring together:

• DJs from the new cohort performing their debut sets

• Artists from our previous programme

• Special guest DJs

Across the day, the line-up will reflect a mix of sounds, influences and cultural backgrounds — creating a shared space for connection through music.

This year’s Refugee Week theme is “Courage”, and for us that’s about stepping forward, taking up space and expressing identity through sound.

Looking ahead

As we continue to grow, we’re focused on expanding the programme, building partnerships and creating more opportunities for young people to access music and develop long-term creative pathways.

If you’d like to support the project, collaborate, or host future activity, we’d love to hear from you.

Support our work: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ourheartbeatscic

This is just the beginning - and we’re building what comes next.