Ensuring all children growing up in the UK see themselves reflected in UK culture

ELAM_Logo

Grant amount:

£1,050,000

Period of funding:

3 Years

The Mohn Westlake Foundation is pleased to announce a new partnership with East London Arts & Music (ELAM) over the next three years to support young people from underrepresented communities to access a free specialist creative education in Music, Games Design or Film and TV studies.

As one of the fastest growing sectors, the economic importance of the creative industries is undeniable, but unfortunately so is its lack of diversity. ELAM exists to accelerate progress towards a more equitable creative industry and is proud to be one of the most diverse creative colleges in the UK. The school is a world-class, Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, sixth form college that opened in September 2014 in one of the most deprived areas in the UK, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

ELAM works hard to engage with traditionally underrepresented prospective students and their parents, attracting young people from almost every London Borough and beyond. With support from The Mohn Westlake Foundation, ELAM will scale this activity by growing the number of visits to schools and youth groups and creating more targeted events to promote ELAM to young people from target demographics. 

To ensure ELAM is able to provide access and opportunity for all, the Mohn Westlake Foundation will also support an Industry Engagement and Alumni Careers programme, providing essential access to Masterclasses, industry mentors, work experience placements, industry briefs and showcases allowing ELAM to better equip their young people with the critical connections, practical experience and knowledge they will need to thrive in the creative industries. It will also enable ELAM to support its growing alumni network, helping them to secure employment, paid internships or further training after graduation.

Additionally The Mohn Westlake Foundation will help to remove financial barriers to participation through much-needed travel bursaries, discretionary free meals and 1:1 instrument and vocal tuition. 

To learn more about this project, please visit the grantee’s website: elam.co.uk

“ELAM was founded on the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Thanks to The Mohn Westlake Foundation, ELAM will be able to provide a dynamic ecosystem where young people can develop their skills, build industry connections and launch successful careers in the music, games and film and TV industries. We are excited to see more of ELAM’s alumni thrive across the creative industries. We cannot thank The Mohn Westlake Foundation enough for supporting these vital programmes.”

Will Kennard - Founder and Governor- ELAM