Creativity Works is an arts-based employability programme that aims to improve access to employment for young Londoners from disadvantaged backgrounds, have found a job or returned to education or training.
The international cultural and social think-tank BE OPEN, founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Elena Baturina, joined forces with the Mayor’s Fund for London in 2015 to support Creativity Works and help young unemployed Londoners play a greater part in the future of the capital.
Creativity Works programme is an arts-based employability project for 16-24 year Londoners who have been to secondary school in the capital, but are not in employment, education or training, from 30 London boroughs, with a particular focus on deprived areas.
It uses the creative industries to increase confidence, skills and employability, offering personal development projects across fashion, film, music, digital multimedia, community arts and product design. It is an ongoing programme, now in its third year and to date, it has delivered thirteen projects.
Over 12 weeks, participants take part in a range of projects tailored to fashion, film, music, digital multimedia, community arts and product design. The course includes workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and work experience; and culminates in a showcase event.
Previously, young Londoners from disadvantaged backgrounds have travelled to Paris to talk to Jean Paul Gaultier and Glastonbury to meet Michael Eavis CBE; discussed career options with Alesha Dixon, received masterclasses at Google and Channel 4 and run a campaign that featured Grayson Perry CBE, Thomas Turgoose and Samantha Morton.
The programme was also supported by the Berkeley Foundation.
Quotes from Creativity Works participants:
- “The opportunity to work in high profile roles at well-respected festivals helped improve my social skills as well as my ability.”
- “It changed my thinking and work ethic, helped me discover my own talent.”
- “We spent six weeks in training but it felt like we’d received years’ worth of knowledge.”
- “The team were more than helpful and they have honestly changed my life around for the better.”
