Boldface is a platform that works with community groups to produce audio, art and film. I founded and run Boldface with artist Izzy Yon.
Recent Projects:
Fear of Missing Out
A documentary series presented by young people living in the UK, about the bits of British History that people aren’t talking about enough. Read more here.
The Secret World of Investor Courts
A four part series made by the Global Justice Now Youth Network, exploring corporate power, colonialism and climate justice. Read more here.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Down the Rabbit Hole is an audio storytelling project that in collaboration with Women in Prison, The Empathy Museum and National Prison Radio working with three incredible women – Rita, Elizabeth and Angel – who access services at The Beth Centre in Lambeth. Read more here.
Our Justice
Our Justice is a mini-series of true stories and conversations co-produced by young people with experience of the Scottish Justice System – it’s a collaboration with Community Justice Scotland and The Empathy Museum.
Boldface trained and recorded with 3 young people – Reece, Chris and Elio. Each presenter shared their own experiences, then invited significant people in their lives to join them and reflect on what they’ve been through. Each episode is an honest and person-centred exploration of criminal justice in Scotland.
I was the Executive Producer of this series, working with Arlie Adlington and Nada Smiljanic.
ESOL Series
Boldface teamed up with The Empathy Museum and CityLit to produce stories with people learning English as a second language. I worked closely with one of the producers, Nada Smiljanic – we interviewed participants together, and I listened through and gave notes on her edits. Nada is an amazing producer who is earlier on in her career than me, and it was a really lovely opportunity to work with her, and provide one-to-one training for her on the job. Katie Callin was the other producer on this project, Exec Producer was Izzy Yon.
Brixton Memories
is a series of walks showcasing memories of Brixton co-produced with young people from Lambeth. This was in partnership with The Brixton Project and The Empathy Museum.
Young London Print Prize
is a collaboration with Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair founded by Izzy Yon. This new Prize champions the ability of young people to engage in their own personal artistic practice. It bridges the gap between compulsory education and the contemporary art world by directly involving young artists and printmakers within it.
The Higher Frequency
is a 6 part series on music in the UK, produced by 18-25 year olds. We trained 18-25 year olds in presenting, reporting and producing, resulting in a 6 part series on music in the UK. This project was in partnership with Youth Music, led by Femi Oriogun-Williams. I was the Executive Producer.
JESSE LAWSON 