U N I V E R S O U L A R T I S T

Hi, Im Kay

I Brand myself as a creative spirit who’s zest for learning knows no bounds. I am a Photographer, Poet, Filmmaker, Author, Creative facilitator and Immersive artist. I use all these mediums to create projects to impact and empower people.

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S.M.I.L.E.ing BOYS EXHIBITION

Enjoy footage from the pressnight of the exhibition. Reviews , opionions and testimonals from the young boys themselves.

ABOUT THE

S.M.I.L.E-ing BOYS PROJECT

From April 2017 to April 2018 the rise in stabbings in london increased by 12%, a 7 year high (1,299 stabbings in London) which sparked a series of reactionary approaches from the government regarding tougher criminalisation of youth, more stop and searches and greater police presence in minority communities.These approaches inspired me to explore the often neglected public health approach, which required investigating the mental health provisions or lack thereof, for the demographic in question – overwhelmingly black youth.

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'It's so important, the conversations you have created are vital. even just from the perspective of a female, hearing you question the boys about masculinity and femininity and what gender roles are even about. This is Amazing'

Beth McAtter / Platanos School

“ EMPOWERING YOU TO UNLEASH THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF IS WHAT I’M ALL ABOUT ”

– Kay Rufai

BOY AND A BIKE

THE POETRY ALBUM : OUT NOW

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM

HOURS OF WORK

COACHING SESSIONS

COUNTRIES

WISE YOUNG BOYS

02. HOW I DO IT

RELATEABILITY

To connect I share my story of growth which always resonates

REMOVE PRESSURE

I free the young people of pressure and encourage freedom

100% OPEN

I Encourage the young people to always retain an open mind

COLLABORATION

I Encourage young people to step out of thier comfort zone

HONESTY

I Facilitate and encourage comfortable enviorment for honesty

COACHING

I ultimately guide the young people not teach or lecture them.

' I look forward to the weekly sessions run by Kay because he allows me to be free to express myself and I now look forward to Mondays in school'

Darnell / Year 9 student

OUR SKILLS

CREATIVITY

RELATEABILITY

GUIDANCE

FRIENDSHIP

How I Found my Calling

Creativity is the source of life in this ever changing world we live in. Understanding what I as an artist brings to the world has required exploring all of my passions, from stringing a few words together, to picking up a camera to share as well as empowering others to share their own stories along the way, to travelling around the world immersing and learning from new cultures – all the while putting creativity , fun and play at the centre of everything I do has been my route to finding mine….

Now let’s find yours.

THE VISUAL JOURNALS

'Adekunle has been an excellent facilitator, providing inspiration, fun and rigour to the Agency process. Battersea Arts Centre would be delighted to work with him again. His sessions are high quality, well organised and enjoyable for participants. They are geared to young people’s own lives and his work is reactive to current affairs and wider issues'

Catherine Nicholson / Battersea Arts Centre

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ABOUT THE UPCOMING

S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H. PROJECT

The S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H (Showing True Resilience Empowering New Generations To Hope) Project explores the resilience and innovative livelihood of the Egun people in Makoko, Lagos who’s homes have been under constant threat of demolition and resettlement as a result of migration from Cotonou to Lagos for better economic prospects. This project also explores the resilience and strength of the homeless communities in Skid-row California, in spite of their challenging living conditions.

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THE TRIBE PROJECT

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THE TRIBE PROJECT

Kay’s work inspires people to consider both the structural constraints and personal agency one must navigate and activate to realize positive change. In addition to providing program support, Kay shared his work with AjA staff and local community members through a public-facing community workshopMelinda Chiment PhD / Executive Director, AJA Foundation

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INTERNATIONALLY FUNDED ARTIST

BRITISH COUNCIL

Kay was funded for a 4 week residency in San Diego, California to deliver poetry and photography workshops with Young people in Gangs and Juvenile prisons as well as refugee communities across the Tijuana, Mexico Border.

WELLCOME TRUST

Kay was funded in 2018 to travel to Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland) and Bhutan to explore the factors that impact happiness which then informed 6 months of creative workshops called the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project with BAME Boys in London.

THE ARTS COUNCIL

Kay was funded in 2019 to deliver The S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys exhibition and workshops at the Battersea Arts Centre to empower BAME Boys with tools to manage their mental well-being.