https://www.sohohouse.com/house-notes/issue-006/art-and-design/meet-the-winners-of-our-inaugural-soho-futures-creative-grant
The recipients of Soho House’s newest initiative marry creativity with social responsibility to enormous effect.
Lifting up, bringing together, encouraging and amplifying: community has always been at the heart of Soho House. And as we continue to develop and grow, so does our commitment to that community – both in the Houses and in terms of our growing programmes designed to help forge and develop creative connections right across our global network.
The most recent of these is the Soho Futures Creative Grant, launched in late 2022 as part of House Foundations, our social responsibility and sustainability programme. We’re passionate about opening up opportunities for young creatives from lower socioeconomic and underrepresented backgrounds. Within our 2030 goals, we aim to have 5% of Soho House membership intake as part of one of our creative access programmes and 200 creative projects funded for emerging talent. Read more here.
Our Soho Futures Creative Grant programme offered grants of £1,000 to help successful applicants develop a project and bring it closer to fruition. From more than 150 stellar applications, 23 individuals were awarded grants across seven creative categories: music, film and theatre, art, fashion, community impact, content, and other.
From new, more sustainable business ventures to shining a light on untold stories in England and LA, we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved. To help inspire you to take the leap with your next creative project, we’ve highlighted five of them here – with a full list of grant winners below.
Amy Matthews-Page
Project: Environmentally conscious lighting solutions
What is it? The design and creation of three prototypes that incorporate architectural design principles to explore materiality and sustainability in the creation of environmentally conscious lighting products.
‘As a designer, I feel that I have a duty to understand the impact that we have on our planet and strive for positive change,’ says Matthews-Page. ‘Winning this grant has boosted my confidence in my creativity and kick-started my move to becoming a multi-disciplinary designer. Being neurodivergent has often put barriers in the way of many opportunities that have arisen for me, making certain aspects of life even more challenging. Over the past few years, I have really learnt to harness that and use my own quirks, unique perspectives and skills to my advantage.
‘This is only just the beginning of my journey. I want to ensure that whatever I create incorporates circular design, is environmentally conscious and made for longevity. I’m looking forward to further exploring my creativity, developing new skills, meeting more fellow creatives and embracing every opportunity that comes my way.’
The inaugural Soho Futures Creative Grant winners in full:
Art
Ibiye Anga, NKWO (art show), Austin
Jahnae Miles, Angel Raised (documentary film), Los Angeles
Nicolas Farade, Presence (book), Paris
Community impact
Amos Eretusi, The Gateway (talent database for underrepresented creators), London
Eyram Dzotsi, Garden of Afruika (sustainable farming workshops), London
Tonny St. James, TAY (youth homelessness organisation), Los Angeles
Content creation
Juliana Ogechi Onyenani, No Shame In My Name (storytelling platform), London
Morenike Akinnawonu, (documentary), Oxfordshire
Rachita Saraogi and Rebecca Thomson, Our Sisterhood (educational programme for girls and gender-expanding youth), London
Fashion
Anna Maria Gehnyei, SANDE (African ethical fashion brand), Rome
Dawuud Loka, MEEZAN (upcycling leather jackets), London
Peju Obasa, PEJU OBASA (sustainable womenswear), London
Film/ theatre
Amber Montgomery, Rearview (short film), Paris
Anokhi Shah, Nritya (short film), Mumbai
Cassandra Nelly Esso, (dance video), Toronto
Music
Amrapali Shindhe, musician, Mumbai
Jairus Edwards, artist (R&B soul album), Los Angeles
Kara Allen, Interludes (live music event), London
Ky Lowe, Relax&Bake FM (radio show), Brighton
Other
Amy Matthews-Page, product designer (sustainably designed lamps), Oxfordshire
Joe Roberts-Walker, Mejuicer (cold-pressed juice and ginger shots), London
Karimah Hassan, Make Sure To Tell The Others (book), London
Mariah Woods, How Did I End Up Here? (book), Los Angeles