Donalization - Knowledge 2

Introduction

A substantial budget was given to Safe in Sound (Rob Kurn) and Southampton City Youth Services (Simon Whitmore) to spend on raising drug awareness within youths around the city. This money came directly from the Home Office via the Drug Action Team for the region. It was agreed that the money should be spent on a series of art and music events, which involved working with local artists and students.

As I was a tutor at Southampton Institute with a keen interest in youth culture I was recruited as art director for the forthcoming events. One of my roles was to assemble suitable candidates from Southampton Institute and the London Metropolitan University to contribute towards the event.

This is the second time that funding has been given to these organisations to hold events in Southampton; the success of the first 'Knowledge' event meant that this time round the budget was increased significantly.

The original 'Knowledge' event took place in 1999 and was a successful collaboration of like minded local artists taking part in an art and music event. My involvement in Knowledge 1 meant that I could play a bigger role in the organsation of Knowledge 2.