We Are Here Scotland CIC

An important part of our Creators’ Fund+ awardees’ journeys is mentoring. Whilst funding is vital, mentoring can prove, in some cases more valuable. We are delighted to announce our professional mentors who have 5+ years in their respective industries and will be working with their awardees. The mentors are: Aarti Joshi, Ade Adesina, Carla Angus, Clementine Burnley, Hannah Lavery, Joseph a. Adesunloye, Saziso P., Shireen Taylor & Vanessa Kanbi We can’t wait to see how all their journeys progress.  Find out more about our mentors and the Creators' Fund+ here - https://lnkd.in/eT_t92tk

A message on behalf of our Director and Founder Ica H.: The continued growth of far-right and racist riots across the UK is becoming increasingly alarming. This surge in violence and intolerance not only threatens public safety but also undermines the generations of labour and sacrifice that Black and People of Colour communities have contributed to UK society. Unfortunately, this is something that has been slowly brewing for a while due to the growth in anti-immigration, anti-Islamic, and racist rhetoric from politicians, social commentators, and the press. For members of our community, attending peaceful protests or simply going about their daily lives, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritise personal safety. Always try to avoid going out alone and ensure that someone you trust is aware of your whereabouts at all times. Staying informed about current events is essential in these challenging times. Follow reliable news sources and community updates where you live to remain aware of potential risks and areas to avoid in the UK. Witnessing the impact of these racist riots on our community is heartbreaking, but it is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters across the UK. Stay safe 🖤

📢 Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce the eight exceptional awardees of our Creators' Fund+ These talented Black and People of Colour creatives, and cultural professionals will each receive £2,000 and 20 hours of expert mentorship to support their artistic journeys, they are: Row 1 (left to right): Salma Faraji, Yeonjoo Cho, Iffat Row 2 (left to right): Basharat Khan, Kezia Lewis, Melanin Speaking Podcast Row 3 (left to right: Thulani Rachia, Fay Guiffo Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the fund is designed to support and empower BPOC creative and cultural professionals across various disciplines. Special thanks to external judges Matthew Hickman, Arusa Qureshi & Tomiwa Folorunso for their work in selecting the awardees. Please join us in celebrating these amazing recipients - https://lnkd.in/eCKa_Jv2

📣 Calling all BPOC and ally experienced creatives and cultural professionals! We Are Here Scotland is seeking mentors for our newly announced Creators' Fund+ programme. If you have 5+ years of industry experience and are passionate about empowering the next generation of Black and POC creatives in Scotland, we want to hear from you! As a Creators' Fund+ mentor, you'll have the opportunity to: ✨ Guide and support a talented creative/cultural professional ✨ Share your expertise and insights through 20 hours of paid one-on-one mentoring ✨ Contribute to a more inclusive creative landscape in Scotland ✨ Put a ladder down behind you The Creators' Fund+, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland provides £2,000 grants and mentorship to 8 Black and POC creatives and cultural professionals across various disciplines. For more information and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/emN-nmte

W Are Here Scotland are seeking a mentor with 5+ years professional industry experience who specialises in crowdfunding. This is open to Black and People of Colour and allies, this is also a paid role. Please contact hello@weareherescotland.com if interested and we would appreciate if this is shared widely. Thank you!

Exciting news for Black and People of Colour creatives in Scotland! We Are Here Scotland launches Creator's Fund+, a one-year pilot offering £2,000 grants and mentorship for 8 talented BPOC creative and cultural professionals. Benefits: ✅ £2,000 grants ✅ 20 hours of mentorship  ✅ Support for diverse creative disciplines Deadline June 3, 2024 For more information and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/emN-nmte Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland

Rise Up! Festival returns to Aberdeen May 2-4, celebrating Black & POC creatives in Scotland! Commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts and curated by We Are Here Scotland Featuring: • Introspective art by Joshua Ekekwe • Keynote by Adura Onashile • Workshops, panels & performances • Live gig feat. rising star Bemz Full info + booking - https://lnkd.in/eZFKU9-r

RISE UP! 2024 PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENT   🗓️ 2-4 May Aberdeen   Music, art, performance, panels, discussions, workshops and much more!   We are delighted to have Adura Onashile delivering this year’s keynote and Bemz + full band closing the festival with a headline show!   A festival of creativity and unity, it promises to be a powerful showcase of the talent and perspectives of Black and People of Colour (BPOC) creatives in Aberdeen and across Scotland. On sale now! https://lnkd.in/eYvtPSeA

It's good to be back! We have lots coming up this year, including a few new things! Before all of that, let's kick off with a reminder about live music series AMPLIFI Returning this January, this is the first show of 2024! In partnership with The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh - The Sounds of Modern Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 📆 Wed 31 Jan (clockwise) 💫 Belly Rachel 💫 Ria Andrews 💫 Maya's Radio Orchestra With artists hand-picked by guest curators Arusa Qureshi and Halina Rifai of We Are Here Scotland 🎟️ Full info + tickets https://lnkd.in/efYbYXMW #AMPLIFI #livemusic #scotland #diversity