Young Pioneers – new showcase of uplifting creativity across Basildon communities

Creative Basildon – the creative powerhouse behind cultural programmes for people living, working, and socialising in Basildon – are excited to announce a series of creative showcases from the talented young artists on their ‘YOUNG PIONEERS’ programme, for everyone in the borough to participate in and enjoy.

Young Pioneers is a creative skills development programme for 16–25-year-olds, mentored by industry experts, who inspire young people to develop their own community projects, aimed at bringing a burst of thought-provoking culture and creativity to their local area.

As well as inspiring people of all ages and abilities in the community to engage in the arts, the Young Pioneers programme provides young people with skills and confidence boosting hands-on experience.  By learning to set up, produce and put on events and projects, young people are given invaluable experience and a foot in the door for a career in the creative industries.

Upcoming projects to look out for include:- 

ESTHER FRIMPONG  (19) from Vange, who hopes to secure a career in film and TV, is hosting the Rising Stars Fair – an all-day event of exhibitions, workshops and performances at Towngate Theatre on 17th February.  The event showcases the work of local amateur creatives. Timings for this free event are 11-2pm & 6:30-9:30pm, but tickets are needed to attend the evening performances. 

DE-ARMANI SHELTON (24), based in Wickford is interested in the role that music plays at the heart of the community, he has created ‘Essex Rap Showdown’ – a Music competition designed to showcase up-and-coming and undiscovered talent.  The competition will be streamed for music fans across the borough and Essex in mid-February.

ETHAN VINTON (18) has created ‘Pitsea Pirates’ A week of pirate-themed activities and decoration around the town, including creative workshops with local community groups, designed to explore and unlock creativity in Pitsea. The Community workshops will be held on 14th – 17th February, with local partners Heart of Pitsea Youth Club and ATF Briscoe’s Community hub. 

With a fascination for the tech behind performing arts and production, EMILY BYRON (19), based in Wickford has created ‘Halls Corner Film’ a personal short film about the history of Wickford,  made together with her family and local filmmaker MAZ MURRAY.  Emily aims to create a space where people in Wickford can share their memories and explore the identity of the town through their personal stories.  The film will be available to view from 19th February.

KIERAN MORLEY (20), based in Basildon is currently studying creative media and animation at South Essex college and is passionate about building awareness of the creative talents of students at the Centre for Digital Technologies.  Kieran’s project ‘Portal Basildon’  is a free, big screen event showcasing student work in Basildon Town Centre, on 29th and 30th March. Students from the campus can submit works from 7th February. 

KAY MACDONALD (21) is creating a zine exploring mental health, together with local residents and mentored by local artist LU WILLIAMS, which will be distributed around Pitsea throughout March. 

Ruth Heritage, Programme Director at Creative Basildon says: We are so proud of all the young people on our Young Pioneers programme who are helping to raise awareness of the tremendous talent in Basildon and the importance of creativity in the community.  We hope many others will get involved and even be inspired to explore their own artistic potential, through this programme” 

For a full list of projects to see, hear and get involved in, please visit www.creativebasildon.co.uk/young-pioneers for more information.