Upfaders, a York based Youth music project has been shortlisted for the Making A Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Collaborative and Partnership Working.

Supported by York City Council and powered by the charity Youth Music, Upfaders use the creative power of music making to help to boost self esteem and confidence of those aged 13-18 with the aim of reducing behavioural related issues in the local community. Using cutting edge technology and with the help of professional DJ’s, Upfaders have created a youth music collective and given them the opportunity to produce original tracks, cut 12″ vinyl dubplates and develop DJ and MC techniques.

Engaging this age group in a positive way that appeals to them is key to this project’s success and providing a creative outlet allows young people to realise their potential in ways not always available to them. The project also allows participants the opportunity to improve their ICT skills and it also provide National Level 1 and Level 2 accreditation through the Arts Award Scheme but perhaps most importantly it’s a lot of fun.

Everyone who makes music with Upfaders has the opportunity to have their music released on Upfader’s own record label and so far, they have released three EPs featuring a whole range of music produced by young people from the Upfaders collective and you can hear the music here.

The results of the award will be announced at The Space in Wakefield on the evening of Thursday 17 November 2011. The full shortlist for the award is:

1. City of York Council Upfaders
2. City of Bradford MD Council Bradford’s approach to potential public disorder
3. Craven District Council Greenroyd Mill
4. North East Lincolnshire Council Community Investment Service
5. Selby District Council Selby Community Project
6. West Yorkshire Councils The Wylaw Way.

Image courtesy of Three6ohchris