What we got up to
KOKO has been at the heart of Camden’s rich cultural heritage for over 120 years.
The KOKO Arts Academy carries this legacy into the future, forging creative opportunities for young people, and nurturing the next generation of talent. As the arts receive increasingly less funding, it’s our privilege to unlock the potential of those who might not otherwise have a voice.
Drawing on an incredible network of artistic greats, industry experts and award-winners to mentor and empower young creatives, the KOKO Arts Academy invites aspiring young people to learn, grow, and discover the joy of creative arts, through workshops and programmes for 18-25 year olds.
Songwriting Academy with Sacha Skarbek
Our pilot project took place in partnership with Ivor Novello award winning songwriter, Sacha Skarbek in May 2024. Under the guidance of Sacha, students came together at The House of KOKO to explore songwriting, refine their craft, create new material, and collaborate. Following three days of immersive work, the course concluded with an evening of live performances, as the students took to the stage accompanied by a live session band, at The House of KOKO’s jazz club, Ellen’s.
Following its success, we have run another two songwriting academies in 2024, inviting more students to come together and benefit from industry expertise that not only considers musical futures, but prioritises wellbeing too.
In 2025 our Arts Academy will continue to grow, as we welcome artists from film, music and theatre. The KOKO Arts Academy not only provides educational opportunities for its students, but also begins a dialogue between the artistic greats of today and the stars of the future.
