Heart n Soul: Talent Development Partner 2023

Slowly Getting Stronger

Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative community and arts charity. We believe in the power and talents of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. We work together to make great art with imagination, love and trust. At Heart n Soul everyone is valued, and leadership is shared. Our vision is of a more open, creative and equal world where everyone can live full lives with independence, freedom and pride.

Heart n Soul provides year-round activities including creative development, performances and sharing opportunities led by music creators with learning disabilities and autism that nurture creativity, develop potential and support progression. Our programmes allow music creators to make high quality work, connect with others and lead change. We listen to what music creators want to do and support them in realising their creative potential.

They are supported from first engagement through to the release and sharing of outstanding new music. They work across a range of musical genres including alternative/indie, pop, electronic, R&B/soul, hip-hop/rap, jazz and classical music. Artists include Dean Rodney Jr, Electric Fire, and D.M.S. New music is shared via live events, digital platforms and recorded formats. Our artists are also given opportunities to perform their work at venues across the UK and Europe. They showcase their work at Heart n Soul events which celebrates learning disability culture and brings people together. Through our work we advocate for increased accessibility and inclusivity across the music industry, challenging perceptions along the way.