Kiln Theatre
Kiln Theatre is the creative and cultural hub of Kilburn in the London Borough of Brent. We are a place of creative transformation and artistic ambition, an empowering space where community connection sits at the centre of everything we do. Our vision is to ignite artistic
imagination through diverse storytelling that reflects the richness of our world. Our mission is to tell real human stories shaped by exceptional artists – harnessing the power of creativity to remove barriers, celebrate individuality, and bring people together.
Flore Foundation is supporting Kiln Theatre's longest running program, Arrive Build Create that aims to radically transform the experience of learning English for newly arrived/displaced young people in Brent and accelerate their transition into mainstream education, helping them access their personal creativity and expand their social networks.
Kiln Theatre has reached over 3,000 adolescents since 2006 with this Creative Engagement project.
Each year, Arrive Build Create offers weekly workshops for 100-150 students from local schools and colleges’ EAL (English as an Additional Language) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) units, where they are placed before entering mainstream education. We provide young people aged 14-19, many of whom identify as refugees and/or asylum seekers with a joyful, empowering space to build confidence, develop English language skills, and settle into
life in the UK. Through drama-based workshops, students take on the roles of performers, writers, directors
and filmmakers to create a performance and a short film. These sessions ask participants to work collaboratively and share ideas with each other.
During this time of heightened hostility towards refugees and migrants, opportunities which build skills and centre safety and joy are more important than ever before. Many participants arrive in the UK as unaccompanied minors carrying emotional trauma that can feel isolating and challenging to articulate, particularly in an unfamiliar environment. Arrive Build Create provides a safe, supportive environment for these young people to express themselves creatively and meet peers who share similar experiences. Through engaging with Arrive Build Create, participants improve their school attainment whilst forging new friendships, developing communication skills, growing in confidence, and elevating their English learning
experience. Arrive Build Create’s methodology also encompasses support for teachers by offering creative learning approaches within the classrooms in Brent. Throughout the year, teachers can access ongoing support, advice and CPD sessions to develop the skills to meet the specific needs of working with EAL/ESOL students.
IMPACT
100% of participants report improvements in learning in school
90% experience a greater sense of pride and recognize their achievements
100 to 150 students will strengthen English skills and foster community connections
