Celebrating 10 Years of Be United: Trustee Ben Chinchen’s Inspiring Speech
Celebrating 10 Years of Be United: Trustee Ben Chinchen’s Inspiring Speech
At “Be United Presents: 10 Years of History “ on October 25th at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Trustee Ben Chinchen delivered a heartfelt speech that expressed the essence of Be United’s mission, growth, and impact over the past decade. Here’s a look into Ben’s powerful message that celebrated our journey, our contribution, and the future we’re building together.
The Start of a Movement
Ben began by sharing how Be United took root nearly 10 years ago in South Africa. Co-founder Emma saw a significant need for creative expression in the community, a space where young people could showcase their talents despite facing limited opportunities. This sparked the journey that brought Be United to life, and soon after, the mission expanded to Scotland, where we recognised a strong need for social integration and representation in the Black community within Scotland’s arts sector.
Growth and Achievements
Over the years, Be United has evolved from local fundraising to becoming a key player in Scotland’s creative scene, advocating for access and opportunities for underrepresented voices. Reflecting on this journey, Ben highlighted several remarkable achievements:
– 409 creatives supported into employment.
– 40 events produced.
– Collaborations with 50 organisations.
– Performances at 11 festivals.
– A talent database of 1,046 for Scotland’s first Black casting agency, featuring actors, extras, and voice actors.
Ben emphasised how these milestones serve as evidence of Be United’s commitment to providing a platform where creative voices can thrive and talent can shine.
A Personal Journey
Ben’s connection to Be United derives from his desire to address inequality. With a background in charity fundraising and digital marketing, he discovered that Black and Asian individuals are significantly underrepresented on charity boards. This drove him to seek a role where he could channel his passion for music, the arts, and equity into meaningful change.
He shared, when Be United first approached him, he’d told himself to wait for the right opportunity. But the alignment of values and mission was undeniable. A friend even remarked, “Ben, have you just invented your perfect charity?” Ben couldn’t resist. And so began his journey with Be United, one that he couldn’t be prouder of.
Stories of Impact
One of the most moving moments of the evening was Ben’s story of meeting a participant from Be United’s “Producing The Future” program at The Fringe. A young boy told Ben how the program had “changed his life,” a testament to how Be United’s initiatives genuinely impact lives. It’s stories like these, Ben explained, that underscore why investing in organisations like Be United is essential for building lasting change.
Building the Future
Ben ended his speech with a vision for Be United’s future, emphasising the need for continuous investment and community support to expand the organisation’s impact. He invited everyone to join the Be United journey, either by showcasing their talent or supporting the organisation’s mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable creative landscape in Scotland.
“With the right investment and support, we can do more and be more united,” Ben concluded.
“Here’s to 10 years of history — and to building an even brighter, more impactful future together.” Follow Be United, and let’s continue to grow this talented community for the next decade and beyond!
How You Can Support Be United
If you would like to contribute to Be United’s mission, consider becoming a supporter and making a donation. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, a believer in equity, or simply inspired by our work, you can help us continue to make a difference. Together, we can do more, be more — and be united.
For those interested in becoming a named sponsor for specific areas of our work, please reach out to us at [email protected] to discuss partnership opportunities.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, impact, and creativity!
