Arts charity gives Kentish Town children graffiti masterclass as part of free summer holiday series
Lessons are taught by industry professionals such as graffiti artist Sam Sure. Picture: Debbi Clark - Credit: Archant
DJing, producing music, and creating comic books and graffiti are some of the skills children have been learning in Kentish Town during the summer holidays.
The Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation has been running classes and workshops in the Queen’s Crescent area.
“We do all the arts,” program leader Jacob Landou told the Ham&High.
“What our foundation does is gets in there and tries to give these kids not just a lesson but an experience.”
Lessons are taught by professionals. The charity has an impressive list of ambassadors including famous actors, musicians and artists. Its patron is award winning actress Helen McCrory.
Last week, the charity was visited by artist Sam Sure, who gave the kids a masterclass as part of their own graffiti art lessons.
The charity “pops up” in areas of London where it believes community centres are not very well funded or where there is not enough for young people to get involved with.
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“It’s nice to leave a little bit of a legacy behind,” said Jacob.
Masterclasses would usually cost a parent upwards of £100, but the Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation offers all classes free. It relies on donations.
Jacob believes community centres too often focus on sports and other “boisterous” activities for young people. “There are so many kids who don’t get the opportunity to express and experiment in the arts,” he said.
The foundation has been in the Camden area for six weeks and is there until children return to school in September.
“It’s been a really, really good success,” said Jacob. “People love it.”
The foundation also offers help to students after the program is over in their area by helping them achieve scholarships to top schools in the arts.
“It is imperative young people today have a creative outlet,” said founder Debbi Clark.
“Our mission is to create an environment where all social backgrounds can collaborate together through the arts.”
You can find out more about the Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation at vonherkomerfoundation.org
