Young Person Bursary Artist – YPBA

This year b-side is partnering with a range of South West based arts organisations and educational bodies to offer what is likely to be the Bursary Artist’s first commission. The YPBA Scheme is there to support young artists to develop and strengthen their artist practice as well as guide our young artists from a educational context into a real life, professional context.

Kennedy Coombs has been selected as the b-side and Opera Circus YPBA. Ken (known as DnE on stage) will receive mentoring and practical advice from both the Opera Circus and b-side team. He will also get the opportunity to be a part of b-side Festival 2018.

About Kennedy

“The work I do is mainly based on mental health and fighting for acceptance. It is based on my own experiences and difficulties as a Trans man and a care leaver.

I started writing at 7 to help with my parents divorce, being a middle child meant that I was slowly forgotten as I grew older so music became my expression.

At 15 I was put into care, which was an extremely tough time in my life. I moved from pillar to post until I was eventually put into a children’s home. It was here I was reintroduced to music when I was given a chance to record and to use my experiences to help other young people.

Working with several organisations over Dorset has really helped me raise awareness, now at 22 I hope my music can raise more.”