Musically Unorthodox Conference 2025

Schedule

Collectively we will explore how music and the creative industries can serve as transformative pathways for young people who have fallen out of mainstream societal structures, resulting in school exclusions, young offenders and young adults becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

See below the topics we will be focusing on. Time and Speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

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If you would like to contribute to the conference in anyway.

Are you a speaker, researcher, organisation or creative with work that aligns with our conference themes? we would love to hear from you!

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TOPICS

Music & Creative Pathways for Young people that have fallen out of mainstream societal infrastructures

Exploring what current music and creative options are available and what needs to be put in place for marginalised young people with a focus of Secondary School Age (excluded or struggle with mainstream education environments, resulting in attending pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provisions) and Young Adults: Not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Youth Unemployment

Youth unemployment in the UK is concentrated among certain marginalised groups, shaped by factors like education exclusion, socio-economic disadvantage, criminal history, and racial inequality. Statistics underscores higher jobless rates for these groups relative to their peers. The government and civil society have recognised the issue, implementing policies (from the Kickstart job scheme to community-led initiatives) to bridge the gaps. While their are signs of progress challenges such as regional economic disparities and systemic barriers still remain. By collectively addressing the specific needs of excluded, justice-involved, low-income, and minority youth, the UK can improve job prospects for these young people and ensure they are not left behind in the recovery and growth of the economy.

Gang Culture, County Lines & Knife Crime

Gang culture, county lines exploitation, and knife crime in the UK are deeply intertwined with social exclusion. Marginalised young people, those out of school, in poverty, with prior trauma or discrimination are most at risk of being drawn into these cycles of violence. Statistics illustrate the scale of the challenge: thousands of children are involved or at risk, and knife offences remain high. Broader social factors like educational failure, economic hardship and racial inequality create the conditions in which gangs thrive.

Community-led initiatives complement the efforts of the government and police to tackle these issues by providing mentorship, support, and positive opportunities to vulnerable youth at the grassroots level. While serious youth violence remains concentrated in certain regions, notably big cities, the problem has spread nationwide via county lines, demanding a coordinated national response.

Relatability to Music & Creative Industry

Music and the Creative Industries hold great potential for marginalised young people, they offer unconventional avenues for expression, skill development, entrepreneurship, and community-building, which can serve as powerful alternatives to criminal involvement and as routes out of poverty, engaging at-risk youth, reduce reoffending, and tackle youth unemployment.

However, there is also a complex, sometimes negative interplay;

- Certain music content may glamorise violence, exacerbating gang tensions.
- Systemic barriers within the creative sector can leave disadvantaged youths unable to fully capitalise on their talents
- Discrimination or structural inequality may persist, limiting genuine opportunities for upward mobility.

Ultimately, maximising the positive impact of music for marginalised young people requires sustained support through education, mentorship, safe creative spaces, and viable career pathways, while addressing harmful stereotypes or glamorised depictions of violence.