Roundhouse and Universal Music Group UK announce flagship partnership to champion young creatives and expand access to the music industry 

– Iconic music and performing arts venue announces landmark partnership with Universal Music Group UK 

– New partnership will connect Roundhouse’s youth music programmes with the industry and drive digital innovation to expand its youth model online, building a safe, inspiring space for young people to create together. 

-Forms part of the Roundhouse’s ongoing commitment to broaden access for young people and feed a diverse talent pipeline into industry. 

LONDON – 17th November 2026: Today, two of the UK’s leading creative organisations, the Roundhouse and Universal Music Group UK (UMG UK) have announced a partnership designed to support and inspire the next generation of creative talent. 

Bringing together the Roundhouse’s role as the UK’s leading provider of non-formal creative education and UMG’s global influence in music and culture, the partnership will create new opportunities for young people to access creative learning, develop their skills, make new connections and benefit from the expertise of industry professionals. 

The Roundhouse and UMG have already enjoyed a strong association, with the London music venue hosting events in its youth spaces and Creative Studios for Amplify-U – UMG’s early talent programme which builds a diverse talent pipeline by equipping emerging professionals with real-world experience, industry insight and skills to forge a career in music. 

The new partnership, formed with UMG’s Global Impact Team, will expand on this relationship and focus on engaging directly with the Roundhouse’s music programmes and the development of a new digital platform. The partnership will extend the Roundhouse’s trusted youth model online, creating a safe and inspiring space for young people to connect, collaborate, and build communities. 

“The Roundhouse and Universal Music Group are two powerhouses of creativity,” said Michaela Greene, Partnerships & Impact Director of the Roundhouse.  

“Together, we’re giving more young people the chance to find their voice, grow in confidence, learn new skills and unlock their potential through creativity. At a time when access to the arts matters more than ever, this partnership is a powerful statement of belief in the next generation.” 

Sharlotte Ritchie, Senior Director of Global Impact & Communications at UMG added, “We are so excited to build on our relationship with the Roundhouse, cultivating a safe, collaborative space for young people to explore, learn and connect creatively – without being confined by geographical borders.”  

About the Roundhouse 

The Roundhouse is a Grade II* listed independent performance and gig venue and is regarded as one of London’s most loved music venues. 

We’re more than just an iconic music venue, though. At our core, we are the UK’s leading creative centre for young people, investing in the next generation of creative talent. Every year we give thousands of young people the chance to develop their skills and confidence through creativity, helping them find new perspectives and new directions. 

Roundhouse Creative Studios, where musicians, filmmakers, podcasters and performers aged 13-25 can hire studio space for as little as £1 an hour. The Creative Studios are part of our youth programme, which engages with 11,000 young people each year through affordable opportunities in music, media, performing arts, poetry and professional development. 

Every ticket and every drink bought at the bar supports our vital creative youth programme. You can also donate towards our work with young people by visiting www.roundhouse.org 

The Roundhouse is a registered charity, the Roundhouse Trust, with charity number 1071487.
 

About Universal Music Group UK
Universal Music is the UK’s leading music company. It is home to a wide range of artists and labels including Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group (which includes Capitol UK and 0207 Def Jam), Decca Records, Fontana Records, Universal Music Recordings, as well as Globe – UMUK’s Creative and Commercial Partnerships division – and the world’s most famous recording studios, Abbey Road. It is the UK division of Universal Music Group (UMG). 

Universal Music Group exists to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.  

For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com 

 

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