As part of our members’ circle feature, we catch up with a stand-out Square Club member. This issue, we sat down with the brilliant Euella Jackson.
You often hear of people who light up a room-Euella Jackson changes the energy entirely. With an effortless confidence, Euella carries the air of someone who knows exactly who she is. She is an inspiring figure in Bristol’s creative scene; over the past decade, she’s been building platforms, creating content and nurturing a creative community—all with the goal of inspiring and empowering others. Her work is a reflection of her values, and it’s clear: Euella isn’t just telling stories, she’s building spaces where others can thrive.
As an award-winning presenter, filmmaker and creative producer, Euella is known for her work that blends storytelling, activism and community-building. Since 2021, she’s been Co-Director of Rising Arts Agency, a youth-led social enterprise advocating for underrepresented young creatives, a role she’ll step down from next year.
Euella’s projects often tackle themes of social justice and representation. Her short film Capsule, commissioned by the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, explores the intersection of climate and social issues, envisioning a hopeful future. Additionally, she hosted the BBC series The Audacious, which highlights young people addressing climate change with optimism and creativity.
We spoke with Euella to reflect on her journey so far, the power of community, and what lies ahead for one of Bristol’s most dynamic creative voices.
Looking back on your career so far, how do you feel your creative journey has unfolded? Has your sense of purpose and drive always been there, or has it evolved along the way?
I’m always thinking about legacy and integrity in storytelling. I’ve always been driven, but I’ve enjoyed reflecting on how my creative practice has changed over the years. When I was younger, I was certain I was going to be a rapper-I love words and music. I’d spend so much time writing and recording music. Then it was theatre, spoken word poetry, content creation, and now presenting and film-making. Who knows what I’ll be doing next.
Early in my career, I felt like people didn’t know what to do with me as I’d love being both in-front and behind the camera. I love writing, producing, presenting, directing and performing. I’ve been determined that I want to do it all and do it all well-I’ve always been ambitious (or maybe a bit stubborn) in that way. I spent a lot of time day-dreaming, but I guess that’s meant I’ve never actually heard anyone when they’ve said “no, you can’t do that.”
What advice would you offer to young creatives still finding their footing?
Be generous-help people, be useful, and keep at it. You’re aiming for progress, not perfection. Find your people, lean on them and collaborate. Make it easy for people to help you and remember you.
Bristol’s creative scene is thriving and ever-evolving. How have you found navigating it, and what has helped you resist the pull of places like London?
I grew up not far from London, but my parents were born and grew up in Bristol. I was lucky enough to study in LA for a year but went to university here and stayed. After that, I found a creative community almost immediately and that was a big help. Getting a content creator role at Rife Magazine/Watershed was my biggest flex ever – they helped me more than even I know.
Bristol is sexy. It’s home. I think cities like London are losing their appeal because people (especially post-pandemic) are realising that work isn’t everything. You’re bigger than what you can create or produce, you matter outside of your job title or showreel. People want a fulfilling and whole life. They want people that smile at them on the street. They want connection and community. Being alive and present in the world is ultimately what makes your art better, not competition and burnout.
Whenever I think about leaving, I remind myself that I’m trying to build a legacy here, and Bristol is part of my story. My parents felt that they had to leave Bristol to make it, but I feel pride that I’m able to come back and do what I love. That’s not to say I’ll never leave, but it’s a place that I love for its activism, creativity, and rebellious spirit. Those are things I need to thrive, and it’ll be hard for other cities to top that. To me, Bristol is about community, and seeing as we’ll no doubt have tough times ahead, community is all that’s going to matter in the end.
Your film Capsule explores a hopeful future in the face of climate and social challenges. What was it like to create that vision?
It was so surreal. My favourite part was being on set-the energy was indescribable. I remember waking up the day after wrapping and crying with gratitude for the cast and crew for bringing it to life. The magic we created was so special. Even though it’s a very optimistic short, it didn’t start that way. I really appreciate Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership (the commissioners) for steering it down a hopeful path, because hope is something that’s really lacking in storytelling right now, especially when it comes to climate and social justice. Climate issues often feel so removed from people’s daily life, and can feel so big and unwieldy. With Capsule, I wanted to take it right down to something small and explore it on a micro-level between a child and their grandmother. It feels like the climate crisis isn’t a crisis of technology or potential, it’s a crisis of imagination and will. Our role as storytellers is to get people excited about what the future could be like. I hope Capsule is part of that.
How do you maintain an optimistic point of view in the face of the ever increasing climate anxiety that so many people feel?
Some days are easier than others, but it’s mainly by being a little delulu [delusional]. But all jokes aside, it’s really community-having comrades and doing things together. Literally going outside and touching grass. The thing about eco-anxiety is that it’s incredibly isolating and takes you out of the present because you’re so worried about the future. The antidote is being with people who are doing things that are making a difference to regular people – whether it’s through the stories they tell, their volunteering, or how they show up for their loved ones. It makes such a difference. But being a young person trying to navigate the future feels impossible right now. All I can do is stay present and tend to the things that are right in front of me-that’s what gives me energy to go on the frontlines, and demand better for us.
Your career has been filled with so many powerful projects and stand out moments. What have been some of your personal highlights along the way?
There are so many! I’m incredibly lucky that I get to do things that literally set my soul alight, such as filming Capsule. Being nominated as a 2025 Big Issue change-maker in January, was so unexpected and such an affirming way to start the year-to be recognised on such a national level.
Presenting the Nature Restoration Series with WWF directed by Anna Roberts was a massive highlight in 2022-it took me way out of my comfort zone. I travelled all over the country and got to meet some incredible people who are making a difference. It also led to us filming a BBC digital series called ‘The Audacious’ which I presented. Whenever I’m feeling a bit low, I watch it and it gives me a real boost.
In 2020, my friends and I staged a protest photo by Jen Reid’s statue in the centre following the toppling of the Colston Statue. The photos were taken by Ruby Walker and we weren’t expecting it to have as much of an impact as it did. When we went down to the statue, all dressed in black with our fists raised, we weren’t expecting the public to be so supportive, they were cheering and taking photos of us, and it felt like a celebration of black womanhood in public space.
Last but not least, working at and becoming a Co-Director of Rising Arts Agency at just 27 – there have been so many powerful moments that I’ve been a part of since working at Rising.
As you prepare to step down from the Rising Arts Agency next year, how has this chapter shaped you, both creatively and personally?
I actually didn’t expect for this question to make me as emotional as it has. It has been a career and life-defining milestone for me. Rising is such an incredibly special gem-for the city, for the sector and for young creatives. It has brought so much hope and purpose to me, and enabled me to step into my bad b*tch energy. I’m definitely a lot less apologetic and it’s given me permission to be the change I want to see, and build things that don’t yet exist. From billboard campaigns and policies, to exhibitions and consultancy, I’ve been able to try my hand at so many things that have made me a better leader and creative. Being a Co-Director has been such an honour, not only because of the community, but also because of my Co-Director, Jess Bunyan. Jess is an absolute powerhouse and a force of a woman. I’ve learnt so much and it’s been such a joy to be able to step into my power as both a young woman and a leader alongside her. I have been institutionalised (or maybe deinstitutionalised) in the best possible way at Rising, and I have no idea how anything I do next will come close to topping it.
Looking ahead, what does the next chapter hold for you?
I honestly have no idea. I’m kind of going wherever the river of life carries me. As long as I’m telling stories, standing up for what I believe in and building a legacy that my descendants can be proud of, I’m good.
What are the hopes you have for the future of our city’s creative community?
I hope there will be more investment in talent. More blurring the boundaries between different disciplines and industries. More risk-taking and challenge. More care, and more humanity.
Euella Jackson is many things, a storyteller, leader and visionary, but above all, she’s a force of nature, showing us that the sky really is the limit. Euella reminds us of the power and strength that we can find within our communities, and demonstrates that hope isn’t a luxury, but a discipline. Her passion for learning is infectious, inspiring those around her to stay curious. Wherever her path leads, it’s clear she’ll continue telling the stories, and cultivating spaces that make the future feel that little bit brighter.
www.euellajackson.com
