What is Young Islington Digital Creators all about?

Nick Crivello, centre manager at Soapbox youth hub in Old Street: “It’s a borough-wide digital skills and employment programme delivered by us here at Soapbox for 16 to 25-year-olds. The next one starts on 8 July and it supports young people to develop industry-relevant creative skills, gain real-world experience and access paid opportunities through a 10-week programme.” 

What can young people expect from the programme?

Nick: “There are lots of elements; we’re talking about filmmaking, digital communications, photography, marketing and branding, social media and web design. They’ve been picked quite purposefully because of the rise in these industries and this is what young people have said digital communications mean to them. 

“I think they create so many opportunities and, more importantly, crossover. The courses are happening at the same time, so there’s a lot of scope for networking and flexibility. For instance, we met a young lady at Capital City College recently who is really interested in music for film, and she’s now been invited to support with the music for one of the films being created. And we might find that the marketing and branding group want to do stuff around film and video for one of their marketing campaigns. That flexibility and crossover is really the beauty of it. 

“We’re also working with other partners across the borough to deliver the programme through the year. I’m really glad there are so many organisations that want to be involved and see the vision and how impactful this can be for young people. For example, award-winning local company 22 Design are on board to support the marketing and branding workshops, coming in and working with young people.” 

Braulio, you’re leading the filmmaking course – how did that come about?

Braulio Chimbembe, youth filmmaker at Soapbox: “I got introduced to this place around 2016 and over time it just became like a third space, a space where you just kind of come to hang out, and if you are interested in using the resources, they’re there for you. 

Soapbox was fundamental for my growth. Film production was a passion of mine, and I was using their computers and cameras. I think that’s what Soapbox is here for – for those ideas and the creation of these projects to see light. 

I was leading an AI programme here for kids from New River College and Nick asked me if I would be interested in helping develop a Digital Creators unit. 

A lot of my frustrations with formal education were on the drawing board when we were coming up with this programme – figuring out things like ‘How do we learn?’, ‘What do we enjoy?’ And we wanted to create the space to be a kind of ‘media gym’ – imagine a space where you can practice, you can make mistakes, you can learn. 

We will offer you the knowledge, resources, equipment, support and enthusiasm to help you develop your idea. You have to come with the passion first, to come with your own creative spark or ideas, and then we can take it and develop it from there. That fire has to be within you, and we help you to grow it. 

To find out more and book a place on the next Young Islington Digital Creators courses starting 8 July, see soapboxislington.org.uk or follow @SoapboxIslington on Instagram.