Creative Futures

Our mission is to unearth the next generation of creative industry leaders from disenfranchised backgrounds and empower them to break cycles of systemic inequalities they've experienced.

We focus on the creative Industries because we believe in the power of stories to change narratives, mindsets and bring people together. The creative industries are notoriously hard to break into, with most entry level jobs and internships going to those that were born in the right neighbourhoods, went to the right schools and have the right family connections. This excludes a large portion of the population, and as they say talent is distributed equally but opportunity is not.

OUR STORY

2018

In 2018, Creative Futures, through it’s growing nonprofit partner and corporate network, sourced, vetted and placed 5 disenfranchised individuals with paid opportunities, ranging from food, music, cannabis and action sports, which provided critical industry experience, income and professional network, and importantly provided a clear market opportunity to build a business.

2019

In 2019, identifying increasing demand, Jai and co-founder Markie Bryant developed a 12-course program centered around workshops taught by industry experts and mentors from some of the biggest companies in the world, with each participant, we call “Fellows” from the program would be guaranteed paid internships (or “Futureships”) with some of LA’s most innovative and beloved companies to provide critical skills and experience.

2020

Seeing a gap in the organization, they hired Yahniie Bridges, a graduating Creative Futures Collective Fellow to strengthen their non profit relationships in the community. After 6 months of being blown away by the creativity and drive, they officially brought Yahniie on as a co-founder of the Creative Futures Collective and Director of Partnerships.

Creative Futures Collective became an official organization in 2020 cofounded by Jai Al-Attas, Yahniie Bridges and Markie Bryant.

See how Michel'eis journey through our program lead to a life changing opportunity

One of the Women from A New Way Of Life, Michel’ei, who was 5 months out of prison, mentioned that it was her dream to become a chef but didn’t believe she had the self esteem, support or network to follow her dreams.

On the spot, Jai alongside chef Ella Freyinger organized a 4 week paid traineeship under Chef Ella in her commercial kitchen, with Ella offering to open up her network in the culinary space after the traineeship to help her find a job. Well, this didn’t happen because as soon as she finished the program, Ella hired Michel’ei herself and 6 months out of prison Michel’ei was now living her dream as a chef.

See Michel'eis' Story

OUR CORE VALUES

We believe that everyone should have access to the same opportunities regardless of where they came from.

We believe that real change will come from the people that have experienced systemic adversity.

We believe that experiences, resilience and your story make you unique and valuable.

We believe that everyone is creative, but some need support to find their drive and flex that muscle.

We believe that everyone has the internal capacity to create their dreams and change the world.

We believe that empathy is the greatest trait an individual can have.

We believe that someone’s current circumstance shouldn’t dictate their future.

As a mixed race child to an Indonesian father and Australian mother, I did not grow up with family connections or wealth, didn’t go to university or college but was able to start a record label at 16 and sell it to EMI before my 24th birthday.

So our goal with Creative Futures Collective is to unearth the next generation of leaders from diverse backgrounds and empower them to change the world."

Jai Al-Attas