Brixton born Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, also known by his stage name Ragz-CV, has been nominated for the community person of the year award at this year’s Visionary Honours 2022.
Ryan, who is the founder and chief executive of Brixton based charity Poetic Unity, has been doing some incredible work in the community, particularly during the pandemic.
Poetic Unity, which provides hundreds of services for young people every year, has supported over 10,000 people worldwide in the past 18 months, providing creative workshops and events which particularly support young people’s mental health and expression through poetry.
Noting the devastating effects of the pandemic on jobs for young people, Poetic Unity created a new youth employment scheme ‘The Cultural Leaders’ funded by the National Lottery Community Fund which will provide jobs for young people aged 18-30 years old for the next three years.
Ryan said: “I’m not someone who usually pays to much attention to awards as my work is my reward, but it’s always nice to be recognised for my efforts.
“During the pandemic I knew how tough it would be for young people’s mental health, so my team and I made sure that we stepped up our efforts to provide more free programmes than ever.
“This nomination is for everyone that has helped me make Poetic Unity a reality and to the community that trusts us to support them.”
The Visionary Honours are the UK’s only awards dedicated to celebrating social impact through popular culture and the arts, including celebrities, influencers and community workers who have inspired change.
The third edition of the awards will highlight people and works created both nationally and internationally, during the last 18 months.
Voting is now open now for the 2022 awards. You can cast your vote for community person of the year as well as a host of other categories here: https://visionaryarts.org.uk/awards/vote/ voting closes on Sunday 6 February. The award ceremony will be hosted by Sir Lenny Henry and held at BAFTA 195, Piccadilly in London’s West End on 1 March.
