20 young Redbridge artists present work at showcase

Hailing from Redbridge, they presented their creative work for the first time at the Colours of Redbridge Portfolio Showcase on September 10.

The event was hosted by BAFTA-winning actor Mawaan Rizwan, known for his work on Taskmaster and Juice, and rapper LESiA, both of whom have strong connections to the area.

The evening also included a certificate presentation, recognising the commitment and achievements of all 20 participants (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

Mawaan Rizwan said: "This programme is a major moment for Redbridge. It gives young creatives the chance to build their portfolios, gain exposure and learn directly from professionals who know the industry inside out.

"Seeing local talent get these kinds of opportunities is fantastic – I wish there was something like this when I was growing up in the area."

Portfolio is supported by A New Direction and Foundation for Future London, with additional funding from Redbridge Neighbourhood CIL (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

The showcase brought together emerging artists, their families, creative professionals, and representatives from leading UK cultural organisations including BBC Music, Roundhouse, V&A, and London College of Fashion. It marked the conclusion of Portfolio, a free summer programme aimed at helping young people in Redbridge develop the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to succeed in the creative sector.

Portfolio is a free summer creative development programme delivered by Colours of Redbridge (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

Supported by workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, and industry visits, the young artists explored various fields such as photography, DJing, concept art, filmmaking, and music production. Their work will be displayed later this year at Redbridge Central Library and Fullwell Cross Library, and featured on an interactive website.

Alongside the practical sessions, participants took part in industry “go-see” visits, including events at BBC Music and V&A East, giving them an insight into professional creative environments and the range of careers available across the sector (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

LESiA said: "Portfolio is about opening doors for young people in Redbridge who may not otherwise have access to creative pathways.

"This programme gives them the space, skills and confidence to explore their ideas, work with industry professionals and build something they can be genuinely proud of."

Portfolio brought established creative practitioners directly into the programme, giving participants the chance to learn from professionals working at the highest levels of their respective fields (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

Participants also took part in industry visits, including sessions at BBC Music and V&A East.

It was hosted by BAFTA-winning actor, comedian and presenter Mawaan Rizwan, known for Taskmaster and Juice, and LESiA, rapper and star of Rap Game UK (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

Skai, one of the young artists, said: "This project has expanded my view of what it means to be creative. I had the opportunity to try new things like DJing and creating 3D models.

"I think working across multiple mediums is crucial in this age of AI. Rather than outsourcing our creativity, we have found that collaboration and using our voice is our greatest strength."

Among those attending were representatives from BBC Music, Roundhouse, V&A and London College of Fashion, alongside East London organisations Space Studios, Redbridge Youth Council and Picture East (Image: Colours of Redbridge)

During the event, all 20 artists received certificates recognising the commitment and achievements of all 20 participants and marking their successful completion of the programme.

Portfolio is supported by A New Direction and Foundation for Future London, with additional funding from Redbridge Neighbourhood CIL.