Using music, media, film, event management and other creative ventures to engage young people and divert them away from crime is the aim of three Thanet friends who have set up a new community interest company.
Inner Artist UK has been founded by entrepreneur and rapper Charlie Daniels, from Westgate, who is joined by Ramsgate hip-hop artist Thomas Singleton and Thanet businessman Bijan Fouladgar.
The focus is on nurturing the artistic potential of young adults aged 14-23, steering them away from potential pitfalls on the streets and into the creative industries.
Charlie is also the director of Watermelon Media, Yolo Pool & Spa, and the Winning Mentality clothing brand. Dad-of-one Thomas will lead the artist development program to guide young adults towards achieving a Bronze Arts Award in 2024.
Through Inner Artist UK, he will be curating a program that covers songwriting, music production, and performance skills to develop musical talents and instil an understanding of the industry.
Thomas said: “I have music experience performing at festivals around the world and have good links in the industry.
“There is not a lot for young people to do in the area apart from Pie Factory Music. Music is our passion and helping people enter that is a rewarding thing to do.”
Charlie has an extensive background in media, film, and photography and is taking a hands-on approach to support aspiring talent. As well as being involved with Inner Artist, he contributes a percentage of profits through his clothing brand to fund the training and support of young adults in community projects.
Bijan is a director of Yolo Property and he will be a behind-the-scenes business advisor for Inner Artist.
Thomas said: “We aim to provide comprehensive training, ranging from artist development to media, film, event management, and various art forms, ensuring a well-rounded approach to nurturing creativity.
“We have got a recording studio in Ramsgate and a hall we can use for live performances. We are going to go into schools and colleges working with them and kids that maybe are not engaging very well in class so there will be a mentoring side.
“Inner Artist has also forged a partnership with Quex Adventure Farm Park for 2024 and they will be providing us space for fundraisers.
“At the end of the course young people will be able to get a Bronze Award and they will put on a show, doing the whole set up, organising the event, promoting it, selling tickets and performing at Quex.”
The plan is to hold six fundraisers next year to help achieve part of the funding needed to carry out the work of the CIC. These will be family-friendly and feature local and talented artists, drink deals, and merchandise stands.
Inner Artist begins in January 2024 with nine young people already enrolled on the first course.
The venture has been kickstarted by an award from The National Lottery Community Fund.
To support or get involved with Inner Artist go to https://www.innerartist.uk/
Donations can be given and there has been support with gift vouchers from local companies and families to be raffled off at the fundraisers and there is a chance to contribute through Charlie’s clothing brand via https://www.watermelonmedia.uk/shop-clothes
