Highlights of two Social economic events

I attended two special events, as part of the festival "Social Economic Drive".

Social Economic Showcase 

For the second year in a row I attended the special social enterprise event organised by the support provider I.S.E. it combines guest speakers apparently discussing exhibitions and networking.

Social economy and the arts

Event organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority which celebrates the variety of organizations which combine social enterprise, co-operative organisations and creative arts. Presented by legendary broadcaster Nikki Tapper MBE, the event is a celebration of music film poetry drama, visual arts and live discussions.

The earlier discussion addresses how work gets done related to creative arts
The comets mentioned include: Artists Amerah Saleh mentioned the importance of working together as a collective is more powerful than individuals alone.

In the second discussion is addressing the importance of social economy
Charles Rapson from the West Midlands Combined Authority emphasising the importance of using social enterprise to address equality's particular social issues and matters. Collaboration is the only way to maintain stability against any social or popular changes which could be a danger. Charles also has his frustration by requesting people in social enterprise to stop saying the term "not for profit". The emphasis is that it's a combination of organisations making a profit but with a social cause.

Dr Gregory Roberts addresses The importance of breaking away from what we are used to at the same time the importance of being self sufficient. He reminded us how we cannot talk about the progress of Birmingham and the West Midlands without emphasising the positive achievement of people from a multicultural background.

Vira Viaitkute from Media Cooperative emphasises that collaboration is having a vision of the key ingredient of process and action.
Other voices on this discussion includes how art can be a power level of social change even if there's a system to try to control creativity. Also creative arts should penetrate the scope of the world.

The overall event reminds us that creativity and art is not just about the commercial aspect it also about how it benefits local communities and connecting together.

In addition the event presents some individual and team guests on stage including:

Amerah Saleh (Spoken Word Artist), a video campaign by Dance Co-operative Birmingham, Sipho Ndlovi (Spoken Word Artist), live theatre drama performance by Itzatna Arts of "Kaho and Bridgwater", Reiss "Odd Preist" (Musician) with event closes with Janel Antoneshia (Musician)

The event also celebrated the achivement of Jo Ind the former Hub Co-ordinator of West Midlands Ownership Hub, a previous regional section of the National Ownership Hub which was supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority this was presented by both Nikki Tapper MBE and James Wright (Policy and Development Lead, Co-operatives UK)

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Notice to Editors

Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant

With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.

Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000, he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also are involved with salsa classes in the local community as an assistant. Also have participated in major dancing conventions twice a year at Birmingham's NEC for Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity.

In 2022, Keith become a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the commonwealth games.