From The Margins To The Mainstream: How Creative Futures Collective Is Building The Blueprint For Creative Equity

Creative Futures Collective Team

The creative industry often talks about inclusion. But Jai Al-Attas and Creative Futures Collective are on a mission to open the gates of the creative economy to young people from historically excluded communities — those who may not have the networks, credentials, or resources to break in, but have all the talent.

What started as a workforce development program for 10 fellows in Los Angeles has now become a global movement: Over 2,000 creatives from underrepresented backgrounds have gone through one of Creative Futures’ many programs.

Jai Al-Attas CEO and Co-Founder, Creative Futures Collective

Al-Attas is clear about the deeper significance of this work — and how long it's been in motion. "So we started CFC in 2019 before the murder of George Floyd, and corporate America's dance with DEI, and back then we would explain to companies that having talent from different backgrounds is beneficial as they're able to tap into different lived experiences, cultures and thought processes that help drive innovation. Especially as the U.S. moves towards becoming a more diverse country, regardless of the politics and fear around it, companies need products and people that represent what the world is going to look like. That train has left the station."

A major driver of that growth has been a deep, ongoing partnership with Soho House. Since 2021, Creative Futures has co-led the Soho House Mentorship Program in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — connecting emerging creatives with mentors inside the Soho House network across industries like fashion, media, art and design. The partnership has also expanded globally through Soho House’s Fellowship program, helping identify and support the next generation of creative leaders around the world.

"Our biggest partner is Soho House," Al-Attas says. And the results are tangible: mentees are getting hired, signed, funded and elevated — not just inspired. These aren’t one-off gestures of goodwill, but systems designed to cultivate long-term change.

Beyond Soho House, Creative Futures has built partnerships with companies like Ralph Lauren, Universal Music, Bloomberg, Red Bull Records and AWAL, bridging the gap between underrepresented talent and real opportunities. Through UnTalent — their creative agency and talent marketplace — alumni have landed freelance gigs, full-time jobs and creative commissions across the industry.

The proof is in the people:

Raven Jackson | Creative Futures Collective

Raven Jackson wrote and directed All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt for A24, which premiered at Sundance.

Naiomi Glasses | Creative Futures Collective

Naiomi Glasses, an Indigenous creative from the Navajo Nation, became Ralph Lauren’s first Artist in Residence.

Andre Jones | Creative Futures Collective

Andre Jones, an agent at WME, was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.

Natasha Ofili | Creative Futures Collective

Natasha Ofili, a Black Deaf creative, directed and starred in a Coldplay video, earning an MTV VMA nomination.

Samantha Smyser | Creative Futures Collective

Samantha Smyser became a senior women’s footwear designer at Jordan Brand/Nike.

Jay Wood | Creative Futures Collective

Jay Wood, a hip-hop artist from Chicago, signed with AWAL and performed at Bloomberg Screentime.

These are not exceptions — they’re what happens when overlooked talent is given the platform to shine.

His closing message to leaders in creative industries is both a challenge and an invitation: Don’t wait for permission. "If you're in a position to hire or provide opportunities. Trust your gut and tap into that talent that has traditionally been overlooked."

Creative Futures Collective isn’t just helping people get in the door — it’s helping redesign the house.