Championing creativity.
No limits, no barriers.

We are Be United. We want to contribute to a more inspired, united and enriched world. We are driven by the creation of the extraordinary. We transcend the ordinary, and elevate the human experience to unite people.

Our events

Let’s make history!

We remain committed to our mission to advocate, nurture and champion Black people working in the performing arts, screen and event sectors in Scotland.

Why? We believe our sectors are richer when all people are represented.

We create platforms and opportunities that empower people to define their own success.

Our Values

Equity

To create a more equitable world, society and sectors.

Empowerment

To empower ourselves and others, to be the best that we can be.

Excellence

To go above and beyond in our work.
To stand out.

Our Story

Our journey began in 2013 in Durban, South Africa where co-founders Emma and Boysie recognised an urgent need for creative outlets of expression within the community. The voices of young people eager for extra-curricular activities, yet facing a void of opportunities, was the spark that ignited Be United. 

This mission carried us to Scotland. What began as fundraising efforts to support our South African initiatives evolved rapidly as we recognised a compelling need for social integration and representation of the Black community within Scotland’s own performing arts scene. Our ethos of equity and inclusion effortlessly transcended continents. This has continued to inspire us to establish programmes that champion diversity and foster unity. 

We have grown, and in doing so, have worked with major organisations such as Edinburgh International Festival, Amazon, Fruitmarket, Sofar Sounds, Talbot Rice Gallery, Virgin and STV. We are a driving force in the evolving Scottish cultural and creative sectors, facilitating much needed change and providing access for our community to opportunities that exist in the various sectors.

Impact Numbers

Creatives employed

Audiences reached

Events produced

Workshop sessions

Programmes delivered

Organisational collaborations

Festival performances

Extras cast

Income generated into Scotland Black communities

Talent database

Testimonials

Working with Be United made me feel that I belong, I felt such a sense of achievement accomplishing the tasks set before me and watching the entire project flourish. What was so rewarding about the project was knowing that my contribution was highly valued and made the project what it was. Meeting fellow creatives and artists and broadening my network has been invaluable. I really appreciate the opportunity that Be United has given me.
Creative Project Coordinator
We worked with Be United on our recent recruitment campaign for Summer Front of House Assistants, as we wanted to make sure the opportunity reached candidates far and wide. BE United was very responsive and a pleasure to work with, and we were able to successfully onboard two strong candidates for our position who had both heard of the advertisement through Be United. One of our candidates mentioned that seeing our opportunity advertised by Be United was one of the factors that motivated them to apply for the post. For us, working with an organisation like Be United who have a strong platform and reputation is an important step in our goal to diversify our recruitment process.
Talbot Rice Gallery
Be United is living up to its founding creed and bringing people of all races, shapes and sizes together. This project has made the invisible become visible. It has given a voice to many marginalised and forgotten artists. Be United has shone a bright light on all BAME talent based in Scotland. I can’t speak highly enough of the fantastic work BE United have done to create lasting bonds between isolated artists and from those ties, an outburst of creativity is sure to follow. God bless
Key Creatives Artist
Fruitmarket has been delighted to work with Be United over the last couple of years on a series of gigs… this partnership continues to amplify Black voices in our programmes and reaches Black audiences, encouraging them to make a home in our spaces.
Fruitmarket
BU helped me take my first steps into the film industry. Which quickened my development process, without their help my development would have been stunted by a few more years.
Film Freelancer
BE United prioritised our comfort beyond all things. It was so refreshing to work with an organisation that truly cares about uplifting and promoting artists!
BE United Presents Artist
“It’s all about you’”. I think a great deal of attention were given to both the performances and the guests.
BE United Presents Artist

Our Team

Board

Louis Parker-Evans

Interim Chair

Fiyin Fakunle

Secretary

Zarine Manekshaw

Treasurer

Lara Banjo

Trustee and Non-Executive Director for Be United Trading Ltd

Dr Thelma Okey-Adibe

Trustee

Ben Chinchen

Trustee

Olubukola Popoola

Trustee

Boysie Gumede

Co-Founder & Honorary Board Member

Operations

Emma Sithole

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Monika Navickaitė

Media & Comms Coordinator

Collin Hills

Creative Director

Kassana Garraway

Screens Business Development Manager

Sharon Thomas

Programme Coordinator

Funders

  • Creative Scotland logo in white.
  • Esmée Fairbairn Foundation logo in white.
  • The Roberton Trust logo in white.

Be United is supported by Creative Scotland through The Multi-Year Funding Programme, alongside Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which also contributes to our work. The Robertson Trust specifically supports our Producing the Future programme, a 10-week training course for young event producers.

Accreditations and Memberships

Annual Reports

Annual Report 20/21

Download

Annual Report 21/22

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Annual Report 22/23

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Annual Report 23/24

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Research Reports

Tiny Changes

Download

Moving Forward

Download

Fair Work Statement

Be United is proud to affirm our commitment to Fair Work principles in alignment with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First criteria. We are a registered living wage employer since June 2021 and pledge to continue to uphold the real Living Wage and ensure effective voice conditions for our employees.

This commitment is jointly agreed upon by Be United and our workforce, ensuring fair and inclusive practices at all levels.