James studied Environmental Management at the University of Leeds. As DAC intern he was working on a project led by the DAC and hosted by the Southbank Centre investigating opportunities to work with young people who are using the Southbank Undercroft space as a public tagging/graffiti art site, and other stakeholders to promote arts practice and mitigate stakeholder conflicts. Since leaving DAC James has gone on to work with young people in a pupil referral unit called ‘the boxing’ academy which endeavours to get troubled teens some qualifications, self belief and some hope for the future. James is also studying for a masters in Social work at the University of East London.