Waltham Forest Spotlights:
Discover the strength of our collective potential.
The 'Spotlights' section is a celebration of triumphs, a collection of compelling narratives that showcase the remarkable journeys individuals have undertaken with our support. From career milestones to entrepreneurial ventures, each story is a testament to the impact of collaboration and empowerment. Join us in exploring the diverse and uplifting experiences of our community members, as we share insights, victories, and the invaluable lessons that come from overcoming challenges.
Spotlight on Sofe
Poet and Performer
Winning a poetry slam was a moment that showed me the power of live performance and how poetry connects with audiences differently from the written word. It was a turning point that pushed me to take poetry seriously alongside my passion for performance.
Spotlight on Beth McGuinness
Artist and Puppet Maker
I can’t believe it's been over a year since starting with Future Formed, so much has happened. Being part of Future Formed has been a continually uplifting experience and helped me realise how many creative opportunities and lovely creatives there are out there.
Spotlight on Desree
Artist and Creative Writer
Desree is a full-time artist – which simultaneously means everything and nothing. She write poems and plays and produces community creative projects as well as facilitating workshops around drama and poetry.
Spotlight on Aasiya Shah
Actor and Theatre-maker
Aasiya is an actor and theatre-maker from Chingford. After attending Rushcroft Sports College which is now South Chingford Foundation, Aasiya did a BTEC in acting at West London College in Hammersmith and then started taking classes and workshops at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Spotlight on Mahnaz Carroll
Future Technician
Mahnaz had been searching for a course in Technical Theatre for a long time. She was finding it difficult to find a course that was reasonable in price and easy to get to in London.
Then she came across Future Formed.
Spotlight on Huda
Creative Artist
Welcome to an insightful conversation with Huda, an artist and creative mind, as she shares her experiences with Future Formed and the vibrant world of the creative sector. In this interview, conducted by Sakura, Huda discusses her artistic pursuits, involvement in community events, and the impact of organisations like Future Formed. Gain insights into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the enriching projects she's currently engaged in.
Spotlight on Jessica Draper
Head of Creative Engagement at Soho Theatre
Embark on an illuminating journey with Jessica Draper, Head of Creative Engagement at Soho Theatre. From her unconventional start in TV and radio, Jessica's career path has woven through diverse projects, including creative and artist development in homelessness and criminal justice settings. In an exclusive interview, she shares insights into her role at Soho Theatre, the challenges of shortlisting for the Labs programme, and the exciting Future Technician placements addressing a workforce shortage in the cultural sector.
Spotlight on Luke Hallgarden
Artistic Creative Director at Revel Puck
Delve into the captivating story of Revel Puck and their sensational circus production, 'The Wing Scuffle Spectacular,' which recently graced Waltham Forest. Having initially dazzled the borough during the London Borough of Culture in 2019, Revel Puck's return reflects their commitment to championing local artists and breaking down barriers in the circus world. In an exclusive interview, explore how Waltham Forest residents played a pivotal role in this transformative experience, enjoying hyper-local access and non-tiered pricing.
Spotlight on Nigel Twumasi
CEO of Mayamada
Discover the captivating journey of Nigel Twumasi, the visionary behind Mayamada, a dynamic manga company that emerged from his enduring passion for the art form. In this exclusive interview, Nigel recounts his transition from a successful software engineering career to founding Mayamada with a friend, driven by a desire for creative control and the pursuit of manga storytelling.