NeonELEVATE aims to empower the next generation of creatives, overcome barriers, and achieve a more inclusive and representative creative sector at all levels.
We want participants and audiences to see themselves represented in all parts of our sectors and mitigate the ‘it’s not for us’ mindset.
With a diverse multi-disciplinary creative team (dance, music, costume design, drama, scriptwriting, film, photography, art, media, music production, Songwriting and event management) to lead workshops and mentor, we want to broaden horizons and raise aspirations.
Collaborating with 45 YP selected through an audition process the company will produce original shows - giving young artists an understanding of the profession, a sense of ownership towards the project, and an authentic voice for their vision . In turn, it will open up pathways and progression routes in the creative industries through working with professional artists on an equal footing. Members of the company will assume a range of roles from performing, artistic direction, costume design, music production and choreography, to scriptwriting, lighting, stage and event management.
The theme for 2020/21 which launched NeonELEVATE was : “Let the World Begin” - which posed the question “If you could solve one problem in the World what would it be?”
The theme for 2021/22 was : “How would YOU re-build OUR Creative Future?” It invited the young artists to challenge orthodoxies and present their creative interpretation on issues that are universally important, thus giving them agency in the overall ideation and execution of the project. Through the programme, they produced a totally original show under "House of NEON". The show was marketed for touring, as well as festivals. NeonELEVATE actively promoted itself through commissioned work, events, and workshops.
2023 focused on Intersectionality and common threads for not just Gen Z but also a broader audience, through short stories interwoven.
The theme for 2024 was “Selfhood” - the show provided an ever changing framework within which our new cohort in the Youth Company could transform to have an authentic voice around “Identity” and issues that can arise from it.
identity - /ʌɪˈdɛntɪti/
“Identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one's sense of self”
“Selfhood” explores identity and the impact it has on individuals and society, loss of identity, sense of identity even the weaponisation of identity
“ Neon ELEVATE pushed and challenged me to my limits. Hip hop, teaching, and putting together multiple pieces that suited the storyline pushed my creative mind, alongside the mentoring and trust of Swoosh.”
— Summer Bloomfield, 18 years old