ESEN Interviews #6 - Collin - Be United & Serena/Cling (Captioned)

Be United is both a charity and social enterprise based in Edinburgh, with a mission to advocate, nurture and champion Black people working in the performing arts, screen and event sectors in Scotland.
They hold events, have training programmes, have casting for TV, film and commercial and much more.
Be United’s journey began in 2013 in Durban, South Africa where co-founders Emma and Boysie recognised an urgent need for creative outlets of expression within the community. The voices of young people eager for extra-curricular activities, yet facing a void of opportunities, was the spark that ignited Be United.
This mission carried them to Scotland. What began as fundraising efforts to support their South African initiatives evolved rapidly as they recognised a compelling need for social integration and representation of the Black community within Scotland’s own performing arts scene. Their ethos of equity and inclusion effortlessly transcended continents. This has continued to inspire them to establish programmes that champion diversity and foster unity.
They have worked with major organisations such as Edinburgh International Festival, Amazon, Fruitmarket, Sofar Sounds, Talbot Rice Gallery, Virgin and STV. They are a driving force in the evolving Scottish cultural and creative sectors, facilitating much needed change and providing access for their community to opportunities that exist in the various sectors.
This interview took place at night 1 of Be United's "This is your Fringe" series of events at Johnnie Walker on Princes Street.
We spoke to Collin Hills the creative director at Be United, Serena who is a freelance digital producer and was the host for the evening, Serena was also a tutor on the Producing the Future programme held by Be United and finally C.L.I.N.G who is an artist from Edinburgh whom was headlining this first night alongside Groove Down.
Music used within the video
Groove Down - Walk on By
C.L.I.N.G - Purple Acrylic