Leila Thomas – Urban Synergy
Alarmed at the incidence of violence and disenfranchisement affecting young people of colour, Leila Thomas decided to create an organisation to help support and encourage BAME people to succeed. Urban Synergy Team is her brainchild.
Rachel Wang – Chocolate Films
Rachel Wang co-founded Chocolate Films in 2001 and has produced and directed many of its films. The organisation employs a large full-time team of talented filmmakers who split their time between making films for high profile clients and running creative workshops for children and young people. Chocolate Films has grown organically since it was founded in 2001 and now has offices in London and Glasgow. In 2017, Chocolate Films worked with over 5000 people on workshop projects and short films in London, LA and Singapore for clients as diverse as Big Issue, Jeep, National Autistic Society, National Gallery, The Royal Society, St Mungo’s and Divine Chocolate.
Matthew Phillip – The Tabernacle
Director of the Tabernacle at Carnival Village, CEO of London Notting Hill Carnival, and manager of Mangrove Steel Band. Through his work in the arts, spanning a significant number of years, he is helping to reshape perceptions of the carnival artform whilst simultaneously being an exemplar and role model for many young people.
Celia Greenwood, Teresa Noble & Ed Berman – Wac Arts Founders
Focusing on inclusivity and diversity, Wac Arts has helped young disadvantaged people to access arts skills and training for 40 years. Founded by Celia Greenwood and Teresa Noble and run by them Wac Arts offers young people training in various art forms, from African dance to Aerial skills, Film editing to Fencing – all at very low or no cost.
Lead image: Rachel Wang (Chocolate Films)
