Beats & Boroughs is a dynamic music network designed to connect and empower young people, artists, music leaders, and organisations using music for social impact. Rooted in East London, the network fosters collaboration, amplifies opportunities, and strengthens pathways into the music industry.

First developed through an ISJ Community Research Grant led by Dr. Jo Gibson, Dr. Zheng Chai, and True Cadence’s Founder and CEO, Manny Loveankh, the project aims to break down barriers to access and representation in the creative industries.

2024 Beats & Borough Event at the Good Growth Hub

The network addresses key challenges, including:

🎵 Underrepresentation – Supporting Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, and under-resourced young people in accessing music education and career pathways.

🎵 Isolation – Creating connections between young musicians, grassroots organisations, and industry professionals to build a stronger creative ecosystem.

🎵 Shaping Policies – Our network provides a safe and educational space for all, while also documenting our learning. Backed by research, this helps drive our mission to create a more equitable future for creatives.

💡 A Series of Events – Free in-person and online events co-produced with young people employed on the project.
💡 An Online Resource Hub – A dedicated space for opportunities, industry insights, and community support.  The resource hub can be accessed HERE.

🔗 The network also encourages members to connect outside of the network, share resources, signpost to each other’s services and even collaborate on funding bids. 

📢 Want to stay updated on events and opportunities? Join the network by signing up Here. Entrants must be 16 and over. 
📢 Learn more on the Beats & Boroughs Resource Hub where you can access a range of network information.

The 2025 Beats & Boroughs series is proudly supported by the Foundation for Future London via the Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund.

While the Beats & Boroughs Music Network focuses on connecting young people, artists, music leaders, and organisations across East London, we’re also interested in hearing from music organisations based in or operating within Barking and Dagenham eager to collaborate and address local challenges. To find out more, submit your details.