New wave of Producers: AVA hosts 2025 Emerging Producer Programme

The AVA Festival & Conference, now in its 11th year, delivered its 2025 Emerging Producer Programme as part of its ongoing efforts to support electronic music talent from the UK and Ireland.

The programme included artist development through mentoring, workshops and opportunities to perform during the AVA Festival, which took place in Belfast on 30–31 May 2025.

Participants included: Aaron Reddick, Eileen Rooney, Emma Hart, Isacc Jackman, Kacper Nowicki, Malaika Shaw & Niall Crickard. Each received access to the full festival and AVA Talks, a conference series hosted at Printworks Belfast. The Talks featured discussions on music promotion, Belfast nightlife, storytelling, sustainability, diversity and technology, with contributions from Seanchoíche and Sally C.

After the festival, the participants joined a structured mentorship programme held by Connor Dougan. This included a mix of creative challenges, peer collaboration and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing production skills and industry understanding.

The initiative was supported by PRS Foundation & PPL and reflects AVA Festival’s long-term commitment to nurturing new voices in electronic music across Ireland and the UK.

Together, they represent a bold and promising future for the sound of the next generation.

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Words: Eileen

Images: AVA Belfast