Actively Seeking... CIC

Actively See K I N G uses the arts to help young Black boys reconnect with the K I N G within them restoring a deep understanding of their true identity and purpose. During the reporting period the company continued to deliver high quality creative and developmental opportunities for young people with a particular focus on supporting those from underrepresented backgrounds to develop confidence skills and access to professional pathways within the arts and creative industries Collectively these activities increased access to professional creative opportunities for young people who would otherwise face barriers to entry supporting confidence employability and long term participation in the creative industries. The organisation successfully completed its Arts Council England funded R and D project for DWMO receiving highly positive feedback from young people teachers creatives and audiences Participants reported increased confidence creative growth and stronger engagement Useful suggestions were also collected to help improve future delivery and accessibility. Additional funding from Aspers Casino and Newham Council supported an intensive music programme where young people created lyrics contributed to production and developed ideas collaboratively The project ended with professional recording sessions at UD Studios supported by partnerships with Newham Music and four professional artists An EP was produced and released on major streaming platforms giving participants real industry credits. The Founder CEO was selected as a Churchill Fellow conducting international research across the US Africa and the Caribbean on the development of Black boys Her findings aim to influence UK practice with a documentary based on the research due for release this year. Finally the Easter programme saw young actors take part in a two week intensive led by professional Black creatives covering spoken word improvisation business skills mindset and wellbeing The project concluded with a live performance of a new play.