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.
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
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
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
Accreditations and Memberships
Annual Reports
Research Reports
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.