8 Years of Element

Element was established in 2016, with a mission to produce projects where young people were able to develop their creative identities and were recognised as individuals with purpose and potential. It is with much sadness that we share the news that Element will be closing at the end of July. The Element team, and the many other people and partners who have been part of our programmes, have worked extremely hard to deliver a high quality offer for young people over the years. While we are hugely sad to be closing our doors, we are so proud of what we have achieved.

Over the eight years we have been operational, we have worked with hundreds of young people across London, in schools, in youth work settings, and in arts spaces. Art and creativity are powerful tools that are too often undervalued. Element was established because the process of creating art - and doing so as part of a community - is essential to processing difficult emotions, getting in touch with self-expression and experimentation, and forming robust, affirmative and positive senses of identity. It has been a privilege and joy to join so many Element Young Creatives on their journeys and be part of their many achievements. 

We have also been fortunate enough to work with amazing artists and facilitators over the years, as well as dedicated public and third sector partners, and many generous funders. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our work. 

Our priority in these last few months and up to the end of July has been to ensure as positive of a wind up process as possible. For us, this means a supported transition for the young people in our Creative Community, including spaces to celebrate Element’s work and their own creativity, finishing projects and offering final workshops to our wonderful partners, and sharing some of what we’ve learned along the way. 

Element’s website and social media channels will remain online for another year, and we will share some useful resources, information on our impact, key learnings, and art work by Element Young Creatives.

Our team will be contactable using their usual details until the 29th July should you wish to reach out, and the elo@elementproject.org email address will remain active until the end of August. After that, alternative contact details will be available on our website.