Celebrating Creativity: The Roundhouse's Milestone
Image: John Williams
The Roundhouse, a vibrant hub of creativity in Camden, London, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: supporting over 10,000 young people in just one year. This achievement reflects the organisation’s enduring commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering artistic growth. The celebration brought together young creatives, alumni and staff to honour this significant moment.
Marcus Davey: A Vision for the Future
Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director of The Roundhouse, expressed deep pride in reaching this pivotal mark. "Having been at The Roundhouse for a long time, supporting 10,000+ young creatives in one year is an important milestone," he said. He emphasised the vital role The Roundhouse plays in helping young people develop their creativity and establish sustainable careers in the arts. With their music studios, community activities, and school programs provide essential pathways, this is a place where young people can hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
Discussing the local connection, Davey highlighted The Roundhouse’s integral role in Camden. "We love it! Locals feel a part of The Roundhouse and young creatives see it as their ‘creative home away from home.’" He pointed out the urgent need for more creative opportunities in a landscape where investment in the arts within schools is dwindling.
Affordability remains a cornerstone of The Roundhouse’s mission. From their reopening in 2006, making the arts accessible and affordable has been paramount. Offering bursaries and support to ensure all young people can benefit.
A Journey to Success: Jesley Faye’s Story
For many, The Roundhouse is a launching pad for successful creative careers. Jesley Faye, now an Editorial Coordinator at Spotify, shared how the organisation supported her early journey in the creative industry. The bursary program helped her with travel costs during her formative experiences in music, she recounted. Through The Roundhouse, she learned about an internship opportunity at Spotify, which eventually led to her full-time role.
Demi Adesoye: Giving Back
Young Trustee Demi Adesoye, who moved from Nigeria to the UK for his studies, reflected on his growth within The Roundhouse. Having joined different creative programs after University, he interned at the Roundhouse and eventually became a trustee. Demi’s commitment to giving back is evident; he views his role as a way to repay the support he received. Speaking on how he balances his artistic and trustee responsibilities, Demi says: “I understand that things have their [right] seasons.” Having an active routine and being open to opportunities help him manage his time.
Emerging Artists: Tendertwin and Zakariye Abdilahi
Zakariye Abdilahi, a poet from Birmingham, found his voice while studying at university. "I had to force myself to perform; I felt like I needed more to my life [than a typical 9-5]," he said. Having made notable progress with no formal training, Zakariye’s journey reflects the spirit of creative expression and authenticity that The Roundhouse fosters.
Current resident artist Tendertwin, originally from Turkey, shared her journey from studying in the U.S. to becoming part of The Roundhouse music collective. The Roundhouse has been instrumental in helping her achieve her dreams. She notes the collaborative environment that has allowed her to grow as an artist..
A Bright Future Ahead
The Roundhouse’s celebration of supporting 10,000 young people in a year is not just a number; it represents countless stories of growth, connection and creativity. This is a crucial time for young people to develop their skills and find a pathway to sustainability through their creativity. The future is bright and The Roundhouse remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the next generation of artists.
