Founder of BE OPEN Foundation Yelena Baturina Supports London Employment Programme 'Creativity Works'

LONDON, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

BE OPEN FOUNDATION has joined forces with the Mayor's Fund for London to help young unemployed Londoners play a greater part in the future of the capital - through the arts.

Yelena Baturina has donated funding to the Mayor's Fund for London, providing a major boost to 17-24 year-olds across the city through arts-based employability programme Creativity Works, which is also supported by the Berkeley Foundation.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Patron of the Mayor's Fund for London, said: "To ensure London's status as the indisputable global capital of culture and creativity, it is vital that young Londoners are equipped with the skills they need to enter this most dynamic of sectors. Creativity Works is an excellent way for youngsters to bridge the gap between their artistic talent and the immense opportunities available to them in our city, and having BE OPEN Foundation on board will help to make a real difference. It is fantastic to have supporters like this backing the Mayor's Fund for London and I hope other individuals and organisations will get on board to help this great cause."

By founding BE OPEN in 2012, Yelena Baturina initiated her way of making a positive change by supporting innovation and creativity across the world, convening global creativity through a system of conferences, talks, competitions, exhibitions, master classes and cultural events.

Founder of BE OPEN Foundation, Yelena Baturina, said: "We are very proud to be partnering with the Mayor's Fund for London and delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those who hold the keys to the future. We believe that creativity and innovative thinking is crucial for making positive change. We could see the difference that Creativity Works was making and wanted to support it in order to reach as many people as possible through culture and the arts."

This solution to high unemployment rates among young Londoners is set to re-engage 80% of participants with employment, education or training. The programme, launched in 2014, helps to develop transferrable skills learned in the arts sector, raising confidence and self-belief in young Londoners. Over 12 weeks, participants take part in workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and work experience; culminating in a showcase event. Over the next six months, participants will have the opportunity to learn about film, festival, fashion production and multimedia.