Challenging violent crime through art

An East London arts group and the London College of Fashion have teamed up to offer young people an opportunity to learn about fashion.  The project, “Design+Make”, designed by Art Against Knives, is for young people aged 18-24 who are or have been at risk of violent crime. It is open to applications from Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham.

The programme provides young people with the space to make a lasting positive change and take control over their future via education, employment or training. It was developed to support young people who feel they would benefit from a hands-on creative opportunity, would like to build new positive networks and/or would benefit from long-term support to prevent re-offending.

It consists of a bespoke package of support over nine months, including weekly sessions with a mentor who will support the young person’s development, break down personal barriers and plan participants’ futures. The highlight is a two week course in the professional workshops at the London College of Fashion. Led by industry professionals and student mentors, participants will develop their own designs, build an awareness of professional business processes and find out about further exclusive training opportunities.

Art Against Knives was established by friends of Oliver Hemsley, a student stabbed in Shoreditch in 2008, with the aim of reducing violent crime through supporting young people and their communities to enable lasting positive change. Since then it has established partnerships with creative professionals, police and community group.

•If you are, or know a young person aged 18-24 who would be interested in accessing the project, or you would like to find out more, contact hello@artagainstknives.com.

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