Street Academy wants to get started as an independent business. (0575468)
FOLLOWING last week’s success in winning Bright Young Things, Street Academy is now moving forward in the search for support and funding.
Guernsey’s first contest for young entrepreneurs saw James Turner (the brain behind Street Academy) and three team members give an energetic and memorable pitch, which included ballet, human beat-boxing, r’n’b singing and rap.
Now the celebrating is over and it’s time for business.
‘The main focus now is getting Street Academy out there,’ explained James.
‘We’re looking for sponsors, donations and a property. However, we’re not expecting everything to be handed to us on a plate. We just need to get a foot in the door and then hopefully start running it as an independent business.’
Street Academy is aiming to set up a place where young people can learn skills that are not available elsewhere in the island.
There are many new talents emerging in the island, from DJs to break-dancers and even human beat-boxers. The Street Academy team recognises this as they are young adults themselves who grew up in Guernsey not having anywhere to go or anything to do.
‘We wouldn’t mind help from the States. However, we don’t want it being a case of deputies doing it their way instead of ours,’ insisted James.
‘It seems like they have no trust in the youth, whereas we do and we know what talent is out there and we know what they want. We want to do it our way as I believe we have more understanding of what is going on with the youth of Guernsey. I mean, it wasn’t long at all since we were teenagers campaigning for a skate park and having nothing to do. Now I’m older, I can do something productive about it. Street Academy is not going to be a business to enrich me, it is going to enrich the youth.’
The team really wants to be able to push the boundaries of both old and new talent and encourage young people to get involved in each others’ talent. They’re planning to put on shows to help fundraise, which will see lots of art elements mixed into one.
‘Everyone can learn Shakespeare,’ explained Street Academy member Matt.
‘But can people do it with break-dancing? We’re looking at putting a 21st century spin on as many art forms as possible.’
As well as looking for sponsorship, the team is also property hunting. Ideally, they’d like a warehouse that can provide enough space to have various rooms, such as a dance hall, studio, social lounge, cafe and possibly a gym.
‘The idea of having a cafe and clothing is to be able to run a business in the business,’ explained James.
‘To make money from them and keep running Street Academy without continuing to borrow money. Plus, to join the academy you’ll have to have a membership, but we won’t be charging a ridiculous amount. We’re hoping to charge £10 a month and the money from the membership charge will go towards keeping it running.
‘I think what we are trying to get across is that this isn’t a bunch of teenagers coming up with ideas and not thinking logically. We’re serious about starting the business and giving something to the island that is really needed and well overdue. There are plenty of businessmen in Guernsey who have kids who listen to music or like dancing, and we’re trying to set up a place where these kids can come to learn new talents and express their own.’
* If you’re interested in making a donation or sponsoring Street Academy, email James at jamesturner1984@hotmail.com.
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