Saving the Creative Sector: Mentorship in Action with Relentless and Pirate Studios
31st October 2024
By Aaliyah Aileru
In a time where the UK is seeing a 57% drop in further education enrollments for creative subjects, mentorships and privately sponsored programmes have become a valued pathway for many young artists. This trend seems inevitable: as demand for creative skills surges and transforms, traditional public education fails to keep up. Trailblazing within this effort to relieve limitations felt by young artists, Relentless Energy have partnered with global community Pirate Studios and brought back the Freeform Forum Initiative. I was able to attend their finale event, where each mentee presented a pitch for £10,000 towards the creative project that they spent 3 months cultivating under this mentorship…
On a humid Tuesday evening, I arrived at Kindred - a Grade II-listed building just behind Hammersmith Station. Alongside events, KIndred offers coworking, cultural programs, and a bar restaurant. I secured my snacks and drinks, and was ready to celebrate what mentors AZ Captures, AntsLive, Sharelle, and Troy Roscoe had spent three months teaching the twelve ambitious Freeform Forum candidates.
The mentees showcased a diverse range of identities and talents through short films and performances, highlighting Relentless’s commitment to amplifying unique voices in the creative industry—voices that often are the purveyors of innovation yet face the greatest limitations.
To understand the impact of mentorship on young creatives more deeply, I spoke with four mentees who’s projects really stood out. Here’s a closer look at their journey, and the lessons learned through the Freeform Forum Mentorship.
Narissha: Crafting R&B whilst staying true to her identity.
Narrissha is 25, a libra from Leicester. Through the mentorship program, she’s worked closely with her mentor, AntsLive, to refine her unique style. Initially uncertain about her direction, she developed a project based on the Five Stages of Grief, reflecting her personal struggles with change and fear.. Though passionate about her craft, Narissha has faced challenges balancing the creative and commercial aspects of music, such as social media promotion, AntsLive described her as a "purist" who prioritises substance over hype. This mentorship has allowed her to develop this commercial side, whilst also staying true to her art, and she encourages emerging artists to remove self-imposed barriers and embrace community, believing that music is about genuine connection.
Perez: Building community in Jungle Music
Perez is 21, a Virgo growing up in Tottenham with Jamaican roots. Perez is making waves in the jungle music scene with their event Jungliscous. With mentor Sherelle, Perez gained valuable advice on navigating the industry. A pivotal moment came when they lost their job during the planning of Jungliscous’ second event, forcing them to learn how to deal with financial hardships and re-focus on long-term goals. Deeply rooted in community, Perez collaborates with friend Sadiiq, believing that “community starts at home” and stresses the importance of taking risks. Their advice to aspiring artists? Be proactive—“message these people down”—and always find ways to apply advice to your own life.
Oluwatobi: Challenging stereotypes and growing through mentorship
Oluwatobi, a scorpio growing up in rural Ireland is a talented filmmaker that tells stories that challenge stereotypes. He says he has been encouraged by his girlfriend and mentor Troy Roscoe, who told him to “stop being a pussy”, as he pushed through despite balancing legal battles, work, and financial struggles. During his mentorship, Oluwatobi focused on improving his storytelling, shot techniques, and colour grading. A pivotal project challenged racial stereotypes, depicting a group of Black people coming together for a wholesome dance battle instead of violence. Grateful for the genuine feedback and friendships formed, he advises young artists to always strive for more and push beyond their comfort zones.
Thenjiwe Nxumalo: Amplifying marginalised voices through radio
Thenjiwe is a virgo sun, double capricorn and grew up in Cape Town. Their project, Jonga Sani Radio with mentorship from AZ Captures, focuses on documenting diverse experiences and emphasises the importance of research in creating impactful work.A huge advocate for fair compensation for creatives, they aspire to put an end to the culture of exposure as payment. Thenjiwe is committed to fostering inclusivity by selecting mentees that represent a variety of backgrounds, especially within gay and Black communities. Her key advice to aspiring artists is to build community, share ideas, and understand that success is a collective effort, reinforcing that “nothing happens alone.”
So, after speaking with the mentees, it’s clear that young creatives face glaring challenges - especially financial ones, but the deeper, often unmet need is for genuine support. The biggest lesson I’ve taken away is that people need people, and like any industry, the creative sector thrives on true mentors and guides who hold the light forward. Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can spark an entire movement or propel a career.
Mentorship isn’t just impactful financially; it allows artists to connect with others who have walked the same path, something traditional education often misses. As the industry grows and shifts, mentors who truly understand its inner workings and can offer relevant advice. But mentorship isn’t the only path to success—there’s wisdom to be found in studying the careers that you admire, watching interviews, and even reaching out. Thanks to social media, your favourite artists are just a few clicks away, and most are more than willing to depart wisdom.
For those of us navigating financial struggles, remember that a clear plan can overcome many barriers. There are grants, programs, and mentors out there, but with passion,
resilience, and—most importantly—a supportive community, you can create a path forward. The creative sector needs you, and your work has the power to make a difference.