YUC, which stands for "Yes You Can," is a social enterprise established in March 30, 2022 with a mission to demonstrate to young people in Northern Ireland that they can achieve a career within the region's creative fields. Despite the belief among many in Northern Ireland that they must leave the region to pursue a creative career, YUC aims to change this by providing access to resources, education, and opportunities that support and empower young individuals to find and pursue careers in the creative arts industry.
Hotbox is a commercial business established in 2019 by James Ayo. It provides a space for HipHop, Afrobeat, and other underrepresented Urban music genres in Northern Ireland. Hotbox offers studio services such as recording, mixing, and video production for young artists in the region, and has been involved in documentaries and short films. James, with his background in International Business and strong passion for helping young people, brings a wealth of experience in the music production and film department to the table.
YUC and Hotbox work together to provide a comprehensive environment for young artists and creatives in the region. Hotbox offers the studio space, experienced staff members, and other resources, while YUC provides education and opportunities through its programs, such as YUC Teach (music production and videography lessons), YUC Awards & short films and documentaries
Our team at YUC is made up of passionate individuals who bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Along with James, there are:
Katie Martinez (Spanish background), who provides legal support through workshops on contract law and assists with the organization's legal structure.
Graham Best (English background), who handles workshops on publishing and distribution and provides advice and guidance with his extensive experience in the music industry.
Precious John (Nigerian background), who is a DJ and radio presenter. Precious runs DJ classes and provides support and advice for YUC's other projects.
We are proud to have received grant awards from UnLtd, PRS Foundation, and Arts Council Northern Ireland, which have helped us to further our mission and provide even more resources and opportunities for young individuals. Our partnership with Diverse Youth has also been instrumental in helping us reach a wider audience and provide support to those who need it most.
In addition to our current partnerships, we are always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share our mission. We are in talks with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and the OhYeah Centre, and we look forward to working together to make a positive impact in the lives of young artists and creatives in the region.
Our projects, such as short films and music productions, are released on streaming platforms and pitched to media platforms like Netflix and BBC generating income to support our charitable projects and initiatives. Join us in our mission to empower and support the next generation of artists and creatives in the creative industry!
