Ica Headlam has been leading the charge for black/POC creatives through his organization, We Are Here, based right here in the heart of the North East. Alongside his Creative Me podcast, Ica's social working roots help to connect and represent the people of Scotland. In this interview, Ica shares insights into his journey and impactful work.
A So Ica, you moved to Scotland in 2004. Where was it you moved from?
I I moved from London actually, South London. I met my wife there, who is originally from the North East. In 2004, she wanted to move back home, so I moved with her to New Deer which was a big, big change. This allowed me to transition from the retail sector and think about getting involved in social issues so I decided to study at Aberdeen College and got a degree.
A Can you tell me about how you developed your career from social work to independent work?
I Getting to know creatives in the North East led me to an opportunity in 2015/16 through the Creative Learning team. They were starting courses for council employees which introduced me to cool artists, who are now life-long friends. When I think about it I don't actually know how I got here but I basically just wanted to emphasise that these creative opportunities are something of importance. Then came the question- why isn’t the North East of Scotland getting the attention and rejuvenation that other cities are getting?
A And is this what inspired your podcast?
I Yeah, it all just started as an idea. I applied for funding through Creative Learning, discussed the idea of starting up a podcast, got about 300 quid, and then started to talk to anyone I could. The podcast allowed me to realise how much I wanted to focus on the lack of representation in Scotland which then evidently inspired We Are Here. Obviously, since BLM and living through my own experience, I feel strongly about sharing opportunities and stories that matter. It can be a bit of an echo chamber sometimes so I just wanted to do something positive and have remained conscious about that.
A What has We Are Here accomplished over the years?
I We started The Creators Fund, a GoFundMe initiative, pushing awareness and providing funding to creatives based on community needs. We want to give people funding and also offer support/advice from people who look like them and may not have this opportunity. We have collaborated with V&A Dundee, supported first solo exhibitions, and built a great relationship with Aberdeen Performing Arts to offer platforms to people of colour. The Rise Up festival has grown, and it'll be on again in 2024.
A I only found out about Rise Up in the past year and thought there was no way I'd never heard about this! Why do you think people in this city have difficulty finding their community?
I It's all about public power. Independent management often requires funding, which isn't easy to obtain. I've only just recently left my social work job after 11.5 years because this is what I believe. An actual answer to your question, I'm still not completely sure of.
A It's difficult to receive funding if you are not based in the central belt, right?
I Yes for sure. We want to share opportunities with everyone interested, and it's starting to pay off. However, there's still much work to be done.
A I'd be interested to hear what you think about representation in the North East from when you first moved til now.
I It has definitely developed. When I was studying, there were a few Nigerian students and Indian students. But yeah, you can see people staying here more and doing their thing. Open mic nights are happening and there is an array of people from all over that are here. But in saying that, Union Street is failing slightly. I was looking around the other day and thinking damn this is like London now, you know?
A Yeah, it's unfortunately seeming that way.
I Aberdeen just gets lost in the sauce of trying to emulate other cities when really there is a whole identity here just sitting waiting. It's frustrating to watch.
A We need people like you standing up for the North East and shining the light. And then hopefully over time, more people will come forward, right?
I As I get older, I want to know that younger people are taking over. I want to inspire them to get funding and support. That's why I did the podcast, for autonomy and to remind myself I want to do this. I see people all the time who just think this is too much work so I have massive respect for people just stepping out of their comfort zone. Wouldn’t it be annoying to constantly be thinking what if?
A Would you agree that there's a tendency in the North East to downplay achievements?
I Yeah, I talk to my friends about this all the time. You speak to Americans and they are so enthusiastic, and the Brits like to just downplay everything. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and be like oh shit, look at what I've done! People need to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
We have exciting plans for 2024, so stay posted!
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