KOKO Foundation, the registered charity of London’s iconic venue KOKO, has announced the BAFTA, Olivier and EMMY award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch as new global ambassador for environmental advocacy.
Cumberbatch, known globally for his critically acclaimed performances in the Oscar winning The Power of The Dog, Netflix smash hit ERIC and as Doctor Steven Strange in the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, lives within the Camden borough where cultural institution KOKO has been bringing arts and entertainment to London for 124 years.
In this newly formed ambassador role, Cumberbatch will be supporting the KOKO Foundation’s efforts to ensure London can become a greener and more sustainable city, while helping with the Foundation’s environmental projects which have the potential to transform communities and inspire other cities globally.
Benedict Cumberbatch said: “I am honoured to be a KOKO Foundation Ambassador with a special focus on the environment. It’s been so inspiring to witness first-hand, the amazing impact that the Foundation has quietly had over the past few years, making real and lasting change in Camden. I’m excited, inspired and committed to help bring awareness to the special work being done and continue to help improve the local area and scale the foundations work around the country, and the world.”
To mark the partnership, the KOKO Foundation is partnering with Letters Live to host a special fundraising edition “A Night In The Theatre”, on Thursday 7th November at KOKO. Letters Live sees famous figures read out historical or personal letters, bringing them to life through live performances. This special evening will be filled with unique readings and musical performances, with Cumberbatch joined on stage by a number of high-profile special musical and acting guests. Visionary English music artist and polymath, FKA Twigs, will read a letter at this special, charity edition of the show. FKA Twigs is currently receiving critical acclaim for the first singles from her highly anticipated new album ‘Eusexua’ (to be released this January).
KOKO launched its Foundation with a vision and commitment to make Camden greener, alongside creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people through artistic workshops and music bursaries. Through environmental projects launched to date, its efforts have contributed to an estimated 40% of newly planted trees in Camden and created a sustainable funding and employment model through a network of ‘KOKO Foresters’ – young people living in the community who are trained and paid to run and maintain the Foundation launched initiatives, year round. The Foundation has already worked with a number of estates in Camden with an inspiring rewilding campaign which has planted over 100 trees on 11 estates and 26 local schools, in the last year.
Sophia Pasetti, CEO of The KOKO Foundation says: “The Foundation was born out of a desire to create something really special, to contribute to the community that KOKO is a part of; its environment, young people, and the next generation of essential artists. I have been deeply moved by the impact our initiatives are already making, and it is a privilege to lead our Foundation on this exciting journey. I am beyond grateful for Benedict’s integrity and authenticity, he is incredibly inspiring and having him on board to help amplify our work is a true honour“
Tickets for the special fundraising edition of Letters Live are available on Thursday 3rd October at 9am from See Tickets here – with a number of tickets made available to local residents working with and benefitting from the work of the Foundation. To find out more about The KOKO Foundation or to donate and support its arts and green initiatives that empower local young people across Camden, please visit: www.kokofoundation.com
