What is Identicons?
IDENTICONS is a Creative Arts project designed for young people that is the brainchild of London-based aerosol writer and designer The ARTFUL DODGER (A. Dee). By using various forms of creative expression such as urban art and music, filmmaking and creative writing to explore the themes of cultural identity, the project will empower young people by helping them to tap into their ‘inner voice’ via their own active as well as latent creative ability.
The project will take place in the late summer of this year and the age range will mainly be from 14-19 years of age, although a few older students will be accepted. We will be inviting young people from various social, economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to come onto the course. By doing this we are hoping to remove any barriers, notions of territory and preconceptions that they may have about each other.
By getting the young people – who may not have much, if any, contact with the other young people on the course – not only to work and create art together, but also to communicate and create dialogue together, it is hoped that this will encourage them to build bridges.
How will this be done?
This will be achieved via a six-week course divided into 3 classes that will run concurrently;
CLASS 1: Urban Chaos: Digital Destiny – Where students will learn how to create colourful aerosol art murals which will then be photographed and manipulated digitally. They will also be producing a magazine of their work.
CLASS 2: King Of The Beats – This will be a chance to take part in a unique Hip-Hop music concept that is taking the Hip-Hop world by storm. Two sets of DJs/producers using record samples, battle to produce the best piece of break-beat-based music.
CLASS 3: Freedom Expressed: My Writes – Students will have the opportunity to do some creative writing – be it poetry, songs, raps or short stories. Those wishing to take it further will be encouraged to work with Hip-Hop music producers and put their work to music.
Each of the classes will be run by two tutors, all qualified. Four of which already have international reputations in their chosen fields.
At the end of the Project there will be an exhibition at the University of the Arts in London of various young people’s artwork and output from the Project.
IDENTICONS BOOK
As an accompaniment to the Project, A. Dee has also written a book that will further explore the themes of the project through his own canvas artwork (see b-write.com/identicons). The second half of the book features interviews with a host of industry creatives from various artistic disciplines, on their inspirations and unique insights that have made them who they are today.
SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Well, the Identicons concept has had an organic development process, and we will endeavor to keep it that way. It will continue to evolve and we will continue to work with creative and inspirational individuals and organisations to help young people empower themselves through innovative and creative projects.
We already have the next stage of this in the pipeline, so watch this space!