Fire It Up Fund: Nurturing the next generation of creatives

Helping young people to break into their dream career

Ant Clausen was a talented photographer who ‘captured the life, soul and atmosphere of whoever and whatever was in front of him.’ Throughout his career, Ant used his experience, talent, and warmth to propel young people into the spotlight and break into their dream career. Inspired by Ant’s legacy, the Fire it Up Fund was established in 2023 to offer investment, mentoring and opportunities for 16-25 year olds who want to kickstart a career in photography or filmmaking but who might not have the cash, contacts or experience to do it on their own.

After two years, the outcomes of the Fire it Up Fund show that when young people from all backgrounds are supported and their creativity is nurtured, the impact can be profound. According to the Art Council and ART 31’s report about children and young creatives, 30.4% of the survey responses identified anxiety as a significant barrier to the arts, while 29.4% identified cost. Though many young people want to work within the arts, a significant number are deterred due to financial concerns and anxieties about being able to make a living off a creative career. By supporting young artists, bringing them to the attention of the public, and giving them the skills and experience they need, the Fire it Up Fund has helped young creatives to pursue even bigger things as their careers flourish, demonstrating that creativity, rather than a luxury, should be accessible for every young person.

Though many young people want to work within the arts, a significant number are deterred due to financial concerns and anxieties about being able to make a living off a creative career. 

Overall, the fund’s ambition is not to just provide financial support to young people, but to provide a public platform for authentic and fresh voices that are often overlooked. A range of experiences, tailored to each fundee’s needs, have already been identified for award winners of the fund in shadowing photographers or working with local organisations such as Merseyrail.

The eight award winners in the first year of the fund are Georgina Madden, Ella McConville, James Clements, Soukaina Dahhan, Jamey Cassidy, Ayla Gardiner, Rowan Mair and Dale Bristo. Here’s a glimpse into some of their stories.

Ella McConville: I promised to push my work out there as much as possible

Liverpool born and raised, Ella always had a passion for photography, adventure and the great outdoors. Inspired by female portrait photographers, Ella realised that she could do it too, and began riding her bike around Liverpool taking pictures of strangers. This decision fostered her love of portrait photography. A real people person, Ella found joy in meeting a variety of new people and building connections with them through the camera.

In 2024, Ella was selected as one of the Ant Clausen Fire It Up Fund award winners, which she credits as having a ‘massive impact’ upon her career. As well as being awarded funds to purchase a new camera to take her photography further, Ella was also given some fantastic opportunities along the way, including a solo exhibition hosted by Bold Street Coffee, ‘Tutto Passa,’ an Italian phrase meaning ‘Everything Passes.’ This exhibition candidly documents Ella’s first experience of Italian culture, from sun-soaked landscapes to colourful portraits of locals smoking cigarettes in doorways. Ella said,‘From being a customer, to displaying my photographs in one of Liverpool’s most popular coffee shops, this has become one of my greatest achievements yet.’

She also had the chance to build industry contacts with potential collaborators and clients. Ella seized these opportunities with both hands, and as a result, her high-fashion, editorial-like photographs gained her further recognition from major brands such as Nike, who she shot the ‘Phantom of the North’ tournament for, as well as the Nike ‘Home’ campaign. Going forward, Ella said that she ‘continues to develop and build herself by constantly trying new things and putting herself out there, always with her camera in hand.’

Ella, who was also a finalist in the Liverpool City Region Awards, commented on the professional exposure and personal impact of this award:

‘I wanted to participate in the open call because I’m always trying to believe in myself and promised to push my work out there as much as possible. Being a finalist […] helped me to realise that you must always believe in yourself because anything is possible. I felt honoured to be amongst so many other creatives and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.’

Dale Bristo: Turning a life-long passion for transport into a career

Another winner, Dale Bristo, a Creative Media (Photography) student, was selected for his striking and dynamic photographs of transport, especially trains. A stand-out application for his clever use of colour, mood and speed, the Fire It Up judges considered Dale’s work as one of the most unique applications they’d received. As well as providing Dale with specialist equipment to further hone his craft, the Fund sourced a collaboration with Merseyrail to create a bespoke photography project for Dale.

The Fire it Up Fund paved the way for many more achievements for Dale, including being featured as one of 18 finalists in the Liverpool City Region Photography Awards. Most recently, Dale’s dynamic hyperlapse image of a Merseyrail Class 777, taken at Liverpool Central Station, earned him the title of Young Railway Photographer of the Year 2025. Dale said:

 ‘To see it up there on the wall felt amazing, I still can’t believe it’s happened.’

For Dale, who has a long-term interest in railways and their rich history, this was an amazing achievement, particularly as his work appeared in York’s National Railway Museum as well as being celebrated on BBC Radio Merseyside.

While Dale continues to foster his passion for photography, and hopes that there will be further opportunities in store, he has also been looking at employment opportunities in the railway industry after graduating from St Helens College, looking to turn his life-long passion for transport into a career.

Soukaina Dahhan: Mentoring and networking is something that money cannot buy

Soukaina Dahhan’s dream-like, atmospheric photographs also landed her a spot as a winner of the Fire It Up Fund. Soukaina, whose photographs were shot on her iPhone, was thrilled to receive brand-new photography equipment by the Fund, helping her refine her natural talents and develop her artistry.

The Fund also sourced professional photography training for Soukaina, as well as helping her look into creative courses, to further transition her passion into a profession. Soukaina said:

‘For me, the fund opened so many doors in the art world that I could never have imagined a few months ago. Not only have they awarded me a grant to invest in kit, software, and courses, but they have offered me one-on-one mentoring and the opportunity to meet and network with other artists in Liverpool, which is something that money cannot buy. I am incredibly appreciative of all the work and effort that Ant Clausen’s friends and family have put into creating this fund, and I couldn’t be any more grateful!’

Having successfully graduated from St Mary’s College, Soukaina now studies interior design, in which her talents and creativity have further blossomed.

The importance of not having to pause creativity

From funding for professional kit, introductions to industry contacts, or mentoring, the fund provided real opportunities and long-term support to ambitious young creatives, helping them cultivate their skills and expand their creative portfolios. 

Bronwyn Andrews, creative producer at Open Eye Gallery, said:

The visual arts is an incredibly tough sector to get into, and there are so many barriers for young creative people who want to get involved. Having the money, tools, space and time – which is what the fund gave – can mean the difference between having to pause creativity or pursuing it, particularly at school leaving age.

 

Young people should have the chance and opportunity to make art – to explore, try, fail, experiment. Pushing yourself creatively can benefit different areas in life – it grows confidence, it strengthens mental health, and can help you realise what you are capable of.

Anyone who is interested in supporting the Fire it Up Fund can make a personal donation  HERE. Businesses or organisations who would like to know more about supporting the fund should email info@openeye.co.uk or visit fireitupfund.com.

Text by Mariam Findler and Maria Gulina