Sherelle’s BEAUTIFUL and AIAIAI launch a recording studio and academy to support Black and queer artist development
The British DJ’s platform has also introduced a workshop programme and will curate exhibitions.
UK-based DJ and producer Sherelle is opening up a new studio space and launching an academy and workshop programme for black and queer artists.
The events and workshops will be run through Sherelle’s platform BEAUTIFUL, in conjunction with headphone manufacturer AIAIAI, who is funding the project.
Sherelle founded BEAUTIFUL in 2021 to champion up-and-coming underrepresented artists in the music industry. So far, it has released an 18-track compilation, curated by Loraine James, Nia Archives, Scratch DVA and TAAHLIAH called BEAUTIFUL Vol.1.
The new workshops, academy and exhibitions will help break down some of the barriers Black and queer artists face in starting careers in the music industry.
The first exhibition in the programme will be move/002, a week-long exhibition that will ”reinterperet” the importance of Black and queer communities within rave culture. Speaking at the event will be drum ‘n’ bass pioneers Fabio & Grooverider. LQBTQ+ photographer Bernice Mulenga will also display rave photography from club nights such as BBZ and Queer Bruk.
BEAUTIFUL and AIAIAI will also run free workshops throughout the year, which will give artists the opportunity to make and record music without financial or availability constraints. These will take place in the form of lectures from industry figures alongside practical music production sessions.
Sherelle said: “All the amazing work that BEAUTIFUL will be doing in regards to the studio, label, exhibitions and academy are there to cultivate the already rich and beautiful black scene.
“People will be able to access these resources for free and get much-needed information, tools and support towards their goals.
“There are a lot of people who have the ambition to be in the scene but just need that extra push and inspiration to do so… BEAUTIFUL x AIAIAI will be there to boost people and accelerate their existing talent.”
The project’s first exhibition, move/002, takes place at Open House Hackney from 1 June to 8 June. You can sign up for RSVP here.
