Meet 12 Midlands-based Creatives That Will be changing the Industry In 2021
We’ve launched a new leadership project, ‘The “P” Word’, to support diverse creative artists & entrepreneurs in the Midlands, and develop their small creative businesses; into viable platforms that can better represent PoC and help regenerate the sector. We would love to introduce you to our 12 creatives below that are a part of this year’s ‘The “P” Word’.
We’ll be hosting an online launch party on Thursday 23rd July, and you’re invited to attend. Details here.
Daniel Alexander
Award-winning director and filmmaker based in Birmingham. He currently produces and directs work for platforms and agencies including the BBC Academy and the BFI including the official Commonwealth Games Handover for the BBC.
Daniel is a BAFTA crew member and sits on the board of the region’s industry screen body, ‘Create Central’.
NAMYWA
Hailing from the West Midlands, Namywa is an international singer-songwriter and recording artist. Namywa’s music is inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse, Diana Gorden, Yebba, Jill Scott and Laura Muvla.
Namywa’s artistic Journey is underpinned by with the willingness to support, inspire and develop other BAME people, mainly brown women and girls to access the arts industries.
RTKal presents: The MBC
”I have performed across the world and learned from the music industry internationally, which brought to my attention how overlooked Birmingham’s talent is, and how little we have in terms of a creative industry infrastructure. The MBC is a contribution to the infrastructure.”
The MBC - Music, Birmingham, Culture - is a multipurpose retail and venue space created by RTkal and his team to shine a light on Birmingham's creative industry and its rich pool of talent.
Tarju Le’Sano The DopeRes K.I.D
Tarju Le’Sano The DopeResK.I.D is a Producing Artist, from Birmingham, UK. Specializing in Songwriting, Spoken Word, Music Production & Dance. With standout performances and a passion for the stage he is not easily forgotten.
Tarju aspires to be the next global superstar from Birmingham UK, showing through his unique delivery, production and performance style, that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Ayola Lee presents:YOLA Entertainment
YOLA Entertainment contributes to the Music & Creative infrastructure here in Birmingham by building a sustainable Media Company. Providing artists, creatives & entrepreneurs with a platform to be seen and the necessary support to further their journeys.
ARRON GILL PRESENTS: THE GAP
“My name is Arron Gill and I am a Creative Producer and core team-member of The GAP Arts Project, an arts organisation based in Balsall Heath that creates space and time for young people to make sense of the world through creative and cultural action.
Using a range of drama and education methods, and other pedagogical practices developed over the years, I became deeply deeply passionate and committed to organising and creating cultural work that strengthens communities. My practice often seeks to create radical ruptures using creative tools to deeply explore our relationship with the world.”
KEIRAN FRANTIC PRESENTS: KNOW HOPE
Know Hope was founded in 2015, initially as a streetwear brand, that centred around positivity and community cohesion. Over the span of 5 years, we rose to local dominance and became known for our innovative approach to branding and marketing. In 2019, our Managing Director Keiran Frantic, saw an opportunity to widen the reach of the support by evolving the brand.
Today, Know Hope Digital combines the know-how and experience of freelance designers, marketers and videographers under one umbrella brand. We produce content for commercial/social use, design & steer campaigns and facilitate workshops.
Tennexa Freeman Presents: TCU - The Creative Universe
TCU - The Creative Universe is a grassroot and BAME-led company. We offer high-quality theatre productions, and site-specific experiences to diverse audiences across the Midlands.
We create meaningful and impactful projects that positively represent, support, engage, empower and serve the marginalised communities we come from.
lekan Babalola & Kate Luxmoore presents: Ifa-Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust
I-YCAT was founded in 1995 by Grammy-award winning percussionist Lekan Babalola.
A unique, arts and cultural charitable organization, Ifa Yoruba is committed to sharing and maintaining the integrity and relevance of Yorùbá arts and culture in wider society – within local communities, both in the U.K. and overseas.
Aaron Wiggins presents: Wiggins Media
Wiggins Media was officially registered in 2018, but first began trading in the summer of 2017 offering showreels and music videos. “The aim for me personally to begin with was to provide these two services for friends but quickly discovered the demand for video content.”
After going full time with the business in 2018 and experiencing the initial struggle that comes with launching a start-up, the services expanded to corporate videos, adverts, event capturing and weddings. We are now in our third year of trading and aim to grow the team over the coming years.
STEADY PRESENTS: YUGEN ARTS
International acclaimed choreographer and dance artist, Steady, is a two time Guinness World Record holder and founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Flawless Entertainment.
His new company, Yugen Arts, is a hip hop theatre and dance production company that specialises in the art of storytelling with dance at the forefront. Yugen Arts believes in art with purpose and create captivating, experiential, thought-provoking work through their productions and educational programmes.
TASHAN ELLIOTT PRESENTS: CLICK VISUALS
We help our clients thrive in the digital era by using real human insights & platforms to design experiences that are seamless and engaging. By delivering sustainable brand awareness.
We offer a range of Services including Marketing content, Branding, Photography, Videography, Live Streaming Events/Podcasts, Influencer marketing as well as social media/Branding training . We have worked with and been published by Google, BBC Radio 1,BBC Sports, Coca-Cola, Birmingham City Council, ACGP International, Old Rep Theatre, The Guardian, Scarlett & Jo London and many more. Our projects have also been featured on BBC News and ITV News.
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