Front Lounge, Front Lounge HQ, 205/207 Hilltown, Dundee (2026)

18/09/2026

Celebrating Front Lounge turning 25, a message from Adam Varjavandi fae Dundee and currently lives and works in Xi'an, China:

"...Dear Front Lounge,

Congratulations on 25 years!

Thank you for all that you have brought to so many lives. Thank you for encouraging me to be myself. Thank you for everything from the early days of KenART in Kirkton, all the way to the projects in China — inspiring Chinese volunteers to think BIG and to build a new following for themselves. I still think about the moment our Chinese volunteers first realised they could lead something of their own — that spark was Front Lounge's doing. Thank you for being open to the needs of the community and for always listening.

25 years in and the work still continues — a testament to the community-building power that has been unleashed in this time. So here's to another 25 years of amazing work, whatever form it takes.

With gratitude and admiration,
Adam Varjavandi..."

17/09/2026

In celebration of Front Lounge turning 25, a few words from Rhianne Grieve:
"...Huge happy 25 years to Front Lounge!

I wouldn’t be half the woman and mother I am today if it wasn’t for joining many years ago! I was young wild and didn’t think I would ever get to where I am today!

Not only has it brought out my confidence but it has helped my eldest daughter too. When she started coming along she was so shy, but now she can’t wait for the next group to happen so she can see all her friends and express herself to her full ability!

To see where we started to where we are now; it’s just so surreal to see how much Front Lounge has done for so many peoples' lives! We are all a big huge family and everyone is welcome at Front Lounge - we are all in this together! Here’s to many more years of memories and life changing events ❤️..."

17/09/2026

Celebrating Front Lounge existing for a quarter of a century with a message from Orkney based fashion designer Kayleigh Archibald:
"... Front Lounge has played such a significant role in where my path has led me over the past year.

From being a Training the Trainer participant in the Kindred Clothing course, to a few months later being asked by Chika, “Do you want to go to Westray tomorrow?” — a question that became a defining moment for me, and the beginning of something that would have an impact on many others too.

I’ve followed the stories and experiences of so many others through their own Front Lounge connections. Undoubtedly, countless lives have been transformed through their involvement with this incredible organisation, both directly and indirectly.

I feel truly honoured and privileged to be part of the tapestry that Front Lounge has created, and continues to weave. I’m so aware of the threads that connect so many of us through the impact Front Lounge has had on our lives.

Here’s to the next 25 years. What an incredible achievement!
HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY, FRONT LOUNGE..!"

16/09/2026

Celebrating Front Lounge’s 25th anniversary with words from Aimee Simpson:
“…Happy Birthday Front Lounge! Wow! 25 years is not just a number - it’s a symbol. A symbol of the growth of Front Lounge and the people that are apart of it.

I remember when the charity was turing 22 and I had just become apart of Front Lounge. Little did I know that I was going to meet lots of new people and get to be take part in lots of great opportunities.

One of the opportunities that I got to take part in was volunteering for the Big Heart Summer Art Project 2026. I got to work with the children and got to see what they all created and got to work and meet the people from For the Love of a Child.

Front Lounge has helped me so much over the years and I’m so thankfully to be a part of the community. Can't wait to see what’s next!

15/09/2026

In celebration of Front Lounge's 25th birthday, a message from Ashley Ross:
"...Picture this: an ordinary wee school girl in second year of high school. A wee bit shy but brave enough to embrace her creativity and love of music, tentatively walking into a music classroom full of primary kids, then being given nothing more than the terrifying and tantalising instruction, "Ok, cool... yeah. Just do something with them."

Ummm... thanks Chika!

Bewildered and bemused, with many sets of expectant eyes on me, a moment's hesitation and then I did just that—I did something. I made up a music game; nothing fancy or particularly mind-blowing, but I snapped into action and did something. That was the beginning of my Front Lounge journey. That was the first time I was really pushed out of my comfort zone, and the first time I had any kind of inkling that I could be brave, a leader, a problem solver—and that maybe I had somewhere to put that boundless love of music and thirst to be creative.

Little did little me know, but that first experience would start a revolution in my head! Suddenly, I had access to opportunities I never even dreamed of, and it had given me this crazy idea that I could do something more—that I had talents and skills, and I could use them to my advantage.

Many moons have passed since that first project, and I have been afforded experiences and opportunities through Front Lounge that have been invaluable to me. From the Ultimate Chill—where I was able to stand on the Caird Hall stage and play songs that I had written at just 15 years old—to music and film projects, to the LAC project, and leading iGNiTEs across Scotland as well as across the world to China, to sitting as chair of the Board where I had the privilege of giving something back; every experience, every moment spent with Front Lounge has shaped me and guided me into the person I am today.

Virtuosically led by Chika Inatimi, Front Lounge allowed me to discover within myself a fortitude, resourcefulness, and ingenuity that I have used in every step of my life since—skills and strengths I may never have uncovered without such stewardship and strategic counsel.

Front Lounge is extraordinary. It is a place in the world I can always return to, always be welcome. It's home. I have been on the journey with Front Lounge for so long it simply feels like the essence of the organisation is in my bones!

A relationship spanning more than 25 years is a rare commodity, and I cannot fully express my immense emotional connection and gratitude for this gift. I can only express my hope that many others, just like the shy, wee school girl who once stood in that classroom, continue to be galvanised by the organisation's hope, encouragement, and support..."

13/09/2026

In celebration of Front Lounge turning 25, a message from Charley Griffin:
“…Happy Birthday to Front Lounge! 25 years of a growing community. A patient, fun, understanding and challenging hub where you learn so much, not just skills but about yourself too. Front Lounge has been a huge part of not only my life but my children’s’ lives too. Cheers to more adventures!

12/09/2026

Celebrating Front Lounge existing for a quarter of a century with a message from Gillian Eilidh O’Mara Artist:
“…Happy 25th Anniversary to the charity that changed my life more than any other, Front Lounge.

Before the name ‘Front Lounge’, there was the name ‘Pure Media UK’ and, before any of this formally existed, there was simply the person of Chika Inatimi, a remarkable human being driven by a passion for supporting people to live out their dreams. I met him in my school music room when I was 13 years old, and life has never been the same since. To me, he is a human catalyst, a dreamer of big dreams and a source of endless generosity.

‘Life is BIG, be all you can be’ is the simple motto of Front Lounge, and it contains all the multitudes of the passion and hope that the charity generously shares into the lives of hundreds of young people. These things are not just shared in platitudes and concepts, but in trust and mentoring, money and resources, time and tears. The board has always been made up of young people who are part of the community and I always felt part of a family. Whatever the world might have called me at thirteen because of my background, Front Lounge simply offered me the dignity of one descriptor; artist. It was there understood that the life we create for ourselves, being all we can be, is as much a creative act as the art and music we make.

Front Lounge is also where I grew to view hospitality, care and community as art forms. It’s where I made my lifelong friends, people I have travelled through the joys and sorrows of life with, again and again. It’s where I learned to be a person to live with my door open to others in all of their vulnerabilities, as was done for me. To me, it has always been a place to find others who will take your dreams seriously. I don’t think that people truly understand quite how remarkable that is; not just to find that encouragement in one person, but for it to be the culture in an entire community.

Also, because I have witnessed the journey of Front Lounge in its entirety, I have been an observer of the losses. There is a long list of young people who, despite all efforts, lost hope and are no longer with us, each one a source heartbreak. Front Lounge truly labours at the precipice, and one should never underestimate the cost of doing so. I have seen intimately how quietly that pain has been borne, but I want people to know more of what is behind that immense modesty and love, what it really takes to dedicate your life to the betterment of others.

Finally, it is wonderful to be an artist-in-residence working through a reflective process with Front Lounge called ‘River of Dreams’ at this important milestone. The core of the work is as it ever was but the need has only grown and I believe Front Lounge has some deep wisdom to share with the world about all they have seen and done. Against many odds, they have created several generations of passionate dreamers out of those who were told otherwise that their life would not at all be big. I am where I am today because of this and I will never be able to repay that, but I can at least tell you all about it today and remind you also that life is big, so be all you can be.

Happy Birthday Front Lounge..!”

12/09/2026

Celebrating Front Lounge turning 25 with a message from Doug Millar:
“…What can I say about Front Lounge? It has been a glorious part of my life to be involved with this small but very nimble charity. The people I have met, the things we have achieved individually and collectively has been a priceless privilege to be a small part of the Front Lounge story. It has been life enhancing.

We have had to muck in and defend what we are doing. This is mind boggling to me. What Front Lounge does is give marginalised people a voice and hope and confidence to make this world a better place. I am delighted to still be part of the ongoing journey…Gutted not be asked to be Santa Claus last Christmas! Big Doug. Hugs to the Front Lounge Family🙏❤️…”

12/09/2026

In celebration of Front Lounge's 25th anniversary, a message from Dean Laminie, who lives in Cape Town, South Africa:
"...A Turning Point at Age 20: In 2012, I participated in the two-week iGNiTE / Good Hope Art Studios workshop. What began as a short programme evolved into a defining 14-year mentorship and friendship. At the time, I was a 20-year-old emerging artist focused entirely on a structured plan: completing my internship at Good Hope Art Studios, learning from resident artists, studying further, joining a gallery, and honing my visual skills. iGNiTE brought together diverse artists using their mediums to confront various social challenges. Initially, I viewed social issues strictly as "management problems" that could be solved primarily through economic means.

Overcoming the Stumbling Block: The experience challenged my worldview so profoundly that it initially became a psychological stumbling block. It forced me to confront uncomfortable realities and consider new ideas that disrupted my straightforward career plans. Now, at age 35, I look back on that discomfort with deep gratitude. iGNiTE taught me that addressing social ills requires us to first acknowledge, analyse, discuss, and research them—no matter how unsettling that process may be. Accepting the necessity of this emotional and intellectual acknowledgement was an excruciatingly difficult process, especially after the workshop concluded, but it remains one of my most vital psychological reference points.

From Art to Football: Today, I apply these exact lessons in my current role with a soccer academy's physical fitness team. It is a fascinating environment to look back on my journey. As our team uses football to tackle local social problems, I actively witness the unity and disunity among staff and players. My experience from 14 years ago allows me to navigate these community dynamics with a much deeper, more mature understanding..."

11/09/2026

Message from He Jiarun, from Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
"...I first came across Front Lounge (then Pure Media UK) back in 2008, and it has stayed deeply rooted in my heart ever since. Through all my years of taking part in many inspiring projects, I have witnessed firsthand Front Lounge empower countless young people, especially those marginalised, confused, and struggling teenagers, giving them confidence, inner strength, and courage. Through diverse artistic approaches, Front Lounge helps young people build self-belief, self-expression, and communication skills — qualities that are deeply missing in many traditional education systems. I feel extremely grateful and truly blessed to connect with this organisation. Front Lounge offers genuine, transformative creative education. I have seen the power of this approach, and this kind of strength cannot be taught in classrooms, textbooks, or standard lessons. It is cultivated through real practice, continuous participation, and hands-on project experience. Many of the touching moments and personal growth are beyond words.

Nevertheless, I am fully aware that my life path, my values, and my career in education have been profoundly shaped by Front Lounge’s philosophy. This influence has kept me dedicated to education throughout the years. It has taught me to stay open-minded, inclusive, and always willing to see the unique light and potential in every individual.

When I returned to Lijiang, a small city in China, I realise more than ever how greatly mindset, vision, and being truly seen can shape a person’s entire life. This need is not only here in Lijiang. Young people across China and around the world are all in need of this inclusive, compassionate, and empowering educational vision. We all know that bringing this philosophy into real life is never easy. Still, I sincerely hope that in the future, there will be more iGNiTE programmes blooming in Lijiang, across China, and all over the world. May more young people be touched, empowered, and transformed by this beautiful force. Finally, I wish Front Lounge endless growth and brilliance. Happy 25th Anniversary to Front Lounge..!"

Front Lounge

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