Words without Weapons!

Words Without Weapons is a 2Funky Arts project that uses lyricism and music as a vehicle for exploring issues surrounding violent and knife crime.  The project has provided local young people aged 12-19, who are at risk of offending or re offending, with a range of creative opportunities to explore such issues, between September 2011 & April 2012.

Two rounds took place at Highfields Centre and Quad Studios, culminating in showcases at The Music Cafe and Thread Nightclub. 2FA employed one lead artist for each round – Wavey and Bizzi. The project has been very popular and including distribution of CD's, has reached over 1000 people!

2FA have found that lyric-writing and Mcing activities are highly effective in addressing sensitive issues.  Both rounds allowed young people to:

-Acquire skills in Mcing performance and lyric writing. 

-Examine and challenge popular lyrics that promote violence. 

-Explore victim perspectives and consequences of knife and violent crime.   

-Put together their own tracks for performance and distribution in a CD.

-Perform in a community showcase. 

-Additionally, role model artists who have relevant experience (either as previous offenders or as members of affected communities) perform at showcases and promote anti-crime messages. Such artists have included the likes of Shystie and English Frank.

Words Without Weapons is supported by The Home Office Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund.