Art Against Knives is a London based youth-led charity which works to reduce the root causes of knife crime through arts initiatives that provide an alternative to violent gang culture.
AAK was created after the tragic and unprovoked stabbing of 21 year old Oliver Hemsley, a student from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design. The attack took place in Shoreditch, East London, in August 2008, and has no doubt changed Hemsley‘s life significantly.
Art Against Knives started out as an exhibition created by Oliver and some of his friends, and in a few short years has become one the most inspiring and motivational art events Brittan has seen. Featuring works donated by the likes of Antony Gormley, Rankin, Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones, Giles, Christopher Kane, Banksy, and a slew of others — AAK has some big names on board.
Knife crime has become an epidemic in the UK, and it seems all areas have been greatly effected. Recent reports of a stabbing at a Notting Hill carnival in mid-august were indeed shocking, as was the recent murder of 14 year old Leroy James — and it’s clear that groups like Art Against Knives are needed to help raise attention to this growing issue. AAK#2 is an exhibition coming up this November in East London, so if you or someone you know can help out with a donation, be sure to check out their website at artagainstknives.com. The exhibition will Include work donated by the charity’s high profile supporters from the art and fashion world, as well as all of the exciting creative industries that thrive in London, UK.
