Dazed 100

This isn't a sexy project; but it is one that changes lives. For the past few years I've dedicated my career to creating accessible and inclusive workshops that engage young creatives, particularly those from marginalised or low socioeconomic backgrounds. For example I ran a fashion illustration workshop at the V&A museum that worked with over 150 people in the space of two hours, but all the templates were representative of all body types, shapes, genders and forms - something the V&A had never done before. I have created a programme called 'The Art of Social Engagement' that runs at CSM and Chelsea College of Arts that works with museum, gallery, cultural sector employees to help them open up their organisations to new and/or marginalised audiences through authentic programming. I've run Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter programmes at University of the Arts London that are free for young people who are careleavers, at risk of care, homeless, refugees and in receipt of benefits. Then I've matched young people with bursaries and scholarships so they can pursue their dreams. This isn't a flash in the pan project, but a daily grind in the hope that we can make art and design accessible for all - but particularly young creatives in need. Why? Because I was once a 17 year old with experience of the care system living in a challenging home but my life changed after going to a similar style workshop and developing the creative confidence to make art work and make a difference to the world. X Images include: Diva Fashion Illustration workshop at The V&A museum, one of the attendees outcomes at the workshop who had never seen a full figure fashion template before, image from curating students works in a classroom space in Camberwell and feedback from a careleaver participant who is now studying at art school after attending one of my workshops: 'Best thing I did for myself in years. Loved the time to process our own ideas. Never felt so brave ever!'