Future Fires is a programme that supports young artists to develop a socially-engaged art project in their own community.
Every day this week we are introducing each member of our#FutureFires20 cohort who will be #SupportedByContact for the next 12 months to create a project that will use their artistic skills to make a difference in the community.
JAKE BOWEN
My name is Jake Bowen. I’m 26.
My project is a series of comedy writing, performance and production workshops for men who have lived experience of the justice system or care system.
If you had to sum up your project in five words, what would they be?
A step towards something bigger.
What motivated you to start your project?
My project was inspired by my own experiences with the justice and care systems, I have lived experience of both.
As a young artist with that history, I know the stigma that it holds. I want to break it and open more doors for lads like me.
How are you finding the Future Fires programme?
I’m loving it! Rory and Rose are champs and deal with my weekly panics about my project! I’m finding my footing on this kind of project and it has had a lot of moving parts. I cannot wait until I can get to start my sessions.
Now for the very important questions…
You are locked in Contact for a week with ONE person, who would you choose and why?
Oooh this is tough… I’m gonna say Joey Diaz! He’s my favourite comedian and such a huge influence on me. He’s also a complete wildcard – you need that in a lockdown situation!
Favourite place to eat?
Hands down REDS True BBQ. I’m aware that my diet choices will have me die like Elvis! But nothing beats good meat and beer.
Favourite quote or motto?
“If you want creative workers – give them enough time to play.” John Cleese
Anything else you’d like to add?
The last thing I’d like to add in these trying times – please for your own sanity if you’re reading this keep laughing, it helps more than you think.
We, as a country, have just had our very way of life shaken by a sickness nobody saw coming.
At the time of writing this, as a struggling artist I’ve had all my comedy shows cancelled and no solid income for two weeks.
I’m spending my days doing things for others to help, making people laugh still and trying to get by.
Keep laughing everyone! We need to!
Follow Jakes’ project here on social media.
Visit our Future Fires page to learn more about the project as a whole.