Connecting and 
progressing with hip-hop culture
The Hold Up is a non-profit arts organisation. We use Hip-Hop culture, creative practice and community-led activity to help people build confidence, skills, wellbeing, identity and progression.
We work with people, communities, artists and partners across South Wales, especially in places where access to creative opportunity, networks and long-term support is limited.
WHAT WE DO
CREATIVITY. cOMMUNITY. PROGRESSION.
People & COMMUNITY
Creative and physical activity for youth clubs, community groups and local partners. We use Hip-Hop culture, games, movement, music, media and participant-led projects to build confidence, connection and progression.
CREATIVE PROJECTS
Multi-week projects shaped by the people taking part. From music production and filmmaking to gaming, storytelling, events and digital media, we help participants turn ideas into real creative outcomes.
PROGRESSION
Routes for young people, artists and emerging practitioners to develop skills, confidence and experience through mentoring, showcases, assistant roles, paid opportunities and creative pathways.
PARTICIPANT-LED CREATIVE COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
DJ/Turntablism
The DJ was the original star of any Hip-Hop event. Without them, the rappers couldn’t rap and the dancers couldn’t dance.
Take-up beat juggling, scratching, and mixing as a creative endeavour.
Learn from seasoned professionals, unlock your potential, and use the decks like the instrument they were meant to be.
Don’t just feel the vibe; learn to create one with our Turntablism workshops.
Beatbox
Discover the power of your own voice with our beatbox workshops. You’ll learn how to transform your vocal cords into a versatile instrument, creating beats, rhythms, and melodies that will astound everyone. Unleash your inner sample machine with our beatboxing workshops.
BreakDance
Dive into the kinetic world of breakdancing with our immersive workshops.
You’ll learn the moves that define this raw, powerful artform, guided by seasoned pros who live and breathe the culture.
These sessions are all about real skills, real style, and real self-expression. No fluff, just the pure essence of breakdancing.
Graffiti
Our experienced artists guide you through the entire process, teaching you essential skills like spray-painting techniques, colour theory, and design concepts. We can tailor the workshops to suit your needs and requirements. Whether you’re looking to create a large-scale mural or smaller pieces to take home, our team will work with you to bring your vision to life.
Music Production
Dive into the world of music production with our hands-on workshops. You’ll learn the ins and outs of an accessible DAW that you can continue experimenting with once the workshop has finished. You’ll taste the art of crafting beats, mixing tracks, and shaping sounds with our experienced producers. This is less about theory and more about getting your hands dirty in the real world of music production to make music you can’t help but nod your head to.
Lyric Writing & Performance
Explore the creative process of writing and performing lyrics with our experienced lyricists. Our workshops offer a supportive environment to nurture your skills and broaden your boundaries.
Our philosophy
Hip-Hop culture gives us more than art forms. It gives us a way to build confidence, identity, discipline, community and progression.
We use Hip-Hop culture as a framework for expression, self-knowledge, peer learning and community connection.
Our work is rooted in principles such as Knowledge of Self, Each One Teach One, Show and Prove, and Peace, Love, Unity and Having Fun.
That means helping people understand who they are, build practical skills, learn from others, contribute to their community and see new routes into the future.
We work with young people, adults, artists and communities who often face barriers linked to poverty, isolation, mental health issues, low confidence, lack of networks or limited access to opportunity.
Talent does not develop by accident. People need repeated access to practice, feedback, role models, mentors and meaningful pathways. THU exists to help build that infrastructure in Wales.
Community
THU creates spaces where people can connect, take part and build confidence through Hip-Hop culture, creative practice and community-led activity.
From youth clubs and recovery projects to Bloc Parties and local events, we work with partners to bring relevant, positive opportunities into Welsh communities.
PROGRESSION
Artist & PRACTITIONER Support
We support Welsh artists, creatives and emerging practitioners to develop skills, access paid opportunities and build sustainable creative pathways.
Our work includes mentoring, event opportunities, artist bookings, practitioner routes and support to move from hobby to practice, and from practice to paid work.
THE CULTURE SPEAKS
FUnders & SUPPORTERS
