Created in partnership by People United and Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), The Studio is a long-term collaboration which centres young people with first-hand experience of navigating the UK’s asylum system to develop creative producing skills and expertise.

The Studio Producers work collectively, with support from both organisations, to commission new artworks and create meaningful arts participation opportunities for Kent Refugee Action Network members, as a way of inviting new conversations in our divided borderland communities and working towards cultures of belonging across East Kent.

What are we aiming for? 

We are aiming to make a positive attitude towards our judgment and have an equal perspective for each other. Wise words and wisdom, inspiration from one another, selfless belief in communities.

What do we want people to feel like when they see our projects?

We want people to ‘See, See, and See’, and feel inspired, loved understood. Truly brighter futures, fun, laughter and joy.

Who are we? 

We are a Youth Forum, Charity and Community from all areas of Kent trying to bring things together for good sake, change the narrative and put positive impact on young people. We have the power to do this by working collectively and collaborating with artists from all over with our Co-design Studio.

Grmalem Kasa, Studio Producer

Studio Producers

Ibrahim

Ibrahim cares about humanity, believes in equality and thinks that art is amazing. He is based in Folkestone and in the future wants to be a billionaire. In the mean time, he wants to encourage other people to work hard and to believe in themselves.

 Grmalem Kasa

Grmalem considers art to be a language everyone can speak. He is from Eritrea and now lives in Kent. He has experience in care leavers and refugee immigration systems and he believes in humanity and equality. Grmalem cares about vulnerable people and wants to encourage others to build connections and confidence.

Mata

Mata thinks that art should be important to everyone because it can communicate more than words alone. He is from Eritrea and is based in Folkestone, and loves listening to music, watching movies and doing sports. Mata believes strongly in human rights and equality, and wants to use his skills in listening and understanding people to help the wider community, especially young people.

Basera

Basera believes in women’s rights and thinks that art is beautiful. She is based in Canterbury, though she comes from Afghanistan. She wants to study medicine, has experience in dressmaking, and when she is not making art she is likely bowling or watching movies.

I am honoured to have been approached by producers to work on a project that centres around their lived experiences. It is urgent to deliver the artist’s brief as close to the expressed feelings and ideas as possible, as these experiences are happening in real-time. This makes the work feel more authentic as it is a response and collaboration where honesty and clear communication are key. Working on this project has been a true honour for me.

Catherine Chinatree

Group 930