PROJECTS THAT LAUNCH CAREERS

At Silkfutures, we design our projects with one goal in mind: to help young artists discover their true identity in a competitive industry. Our approach is flexible, allowing artists the freedom to explore new directions as they grow and evolve. We believe in putting the creative power and decision-making in the hands of the artists, ensuring they have ownership over their work and projects they can truly be proud of. We’re committed to providing a nurturing environment where artists are supported holistically, both in their music and as people. Our projects are designed not just to develop artistic skills, but to build confidence, help artists find their voice, and equip them with the tools they need to build lasting, creative careers.

PROJECT ALCHEMY 2024

The Alchemy Project, run by Silkfutures, was all about giving young artists the chance to grow, create, and develop as musicians. With £1,000 funding, studio access, and one-on-one mentorship, the project helped 8 talented individuals dive into their music, explore new sounds, and get the support they needed to level up their careers.

Kicking off in August 2024, we opened up applications and had 43 young artists apply. After a few studio sessions, we selected 8 participants who then spent months working closely with mentors to create music, develop their sound, and make content they’re proud of.

Here’s what made the project so special:

Music Production and Content Creation: Each artist had the chance to record their own EP or mixtape, shoot music videos, and make their creative ideas a reality in the studio.
Live Performance: The participants got to perform live at the Welcome to Wales show at Tramshed, gaining real stage experience and building confidence in front of an audience.
Well-being and Growth: The project didn’t just focus on music – we made sure there were activities like meditation and gym sessions to support the artists' mental health, help them grow as people, and stay balanced.
Networking and Industry Connections: Participants also had the chance to meet and collaborate with other creatives and industry professionals, making connections that will help them long after the project ends.

The Alchemy Project was a huge success, with each participant growing in confidence, skill, and direction. It wasn’t just about making music – it was about helping these young artists find their voice, connect with others, and take the next step in their careers. With everything from finished projects to new opportunities on the horizon, the project set them up for success in the music world.

Ultimately, Alchemy was all about empowering young artists to keep creating, growing, and pursuing their dreams, no matter what challenges they face along the way.

LAB7 COLLECTIVE 2022

In 2022, Silkfutures launched its first major project, providing 7 emerging artists with a £1,000 budget each to support their music creation and development. This initiative was a significant milestone for us and served as the foundation for the Alchemy Project in 2024.

The project offered the artists studio time, equipment, and personalized mentorship, allowing them to experiment with new sounds, produce music, and hone their skills in a professional environment. Over the course of the project, the artists were encouraged to push their creative boundaries, explore different genres, and build their confidence in both their music and themselves.

In addition to creating music, the artists benefited from industry guidance and networking opportunities, helping them make valuable connections within the music community. The project gave them the space and support to grow, both as musicians and individuals.

The success of this first venture inspired the Alchemy Project, which expanded on the lessons and achievements of 2022, continuing our mission to empower young artists and provide them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

The Microphone Champion project was all about helping 7 Silkfutures artists improve their live performance skills. They worked with experienced performers who mentored them on everything from stage presence to audience connection, building confidence along the way.

The artists spent time learning how to own the stage and feel comfortable performing live, and it really helped them sharpen their skills. The project ended with a live show where the artists not only performed but also marketed and sold tickets, giving them some real-world experience in event planning and promotion.

Overall, Microphone Champion was a great opportunity for the artists to learn, grow, and get a feel for what it’s like to perform in front of a crowd, all while gaining some valuable behind-the-scenes experience too.