Month: April 2026

AVA launches Creators Forum in Belfast for emerging electronic music talent

AVA is launching the 2026 edition of Creators Forum, its artist development programme for aspiring DJs, electronic music makers and musicians.

The Creators Forum is designed to support creative growth through studio access, mentoring and practical skills development. Each city edition will offer selected young artists a structured opportunity to develop new work, gain professional experience and learn directly from industry practitioners in a fully equipped studio environment.=

In Belfast, Creators Forum will bring together five selected DJs and five music producers for a ten-day development programme delivered in partnership with AMPS Studio. Based in Conway Mill, AMPS is a professional recording and production facility and an accredited sound training space, and will host the Belfast edition of the programme.

Participants will:

• Receive one-to-one mentoring from music professionals
• Attend workshops and skills sessions
• Work and collaborate in a professional studio setting
• Access creative and professional tools
• Take part in a feedback session with a special guest producer

The Belfast cohort will also have access to the Belfast Talks Programme and AVA Belfast on 29-30 May 2026, connecting their studio development to the wider festival context.

The Belfast programme is open to applicants based in the UK or Ireland, aged 18-25, who are available to attend the full programme from May 18-30, 2026.

Why Creators Forum
Creators Forum is designed to widen access to the spaces, support and professional insight that can help shape the next stage of an artist’s development. By bringing together studio practice, mentoring and live cultural context, the programme invests in new talent while strengthening the wider creative community around AVA in both Belfast and London.

For more information on Creators Forum and how to apply, click here

Creators Forum is supported by PPL 

Deadline to apply 30 April 2026