About Us

Founded in 2018 by British filmmaker, musician, and social impact advocate Ed Accura, SpaceDNA is a creative and purpose-driven organisation dedicated to reshaping the narrative around swimming and water safety. Our mission is to dismantle cultural barriers in Black, Asian, and other under-represented communities through the power of storytelling.

Mission

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To change the narrative around aquatic participation in Black and Asian communities by producing groundbreaking content that inspires, informs, and promotes inclusivity in water activities.”

Vision

We envision a world where every individual, regardless of race or background, feels represented, confident, and safe in aquatic environments. Through authentic storytelling, culturally relevant education, and positive role models, we empower communities via SpaceDNA’s rich multimedia catalogue. Ed Accura describes this vision as “bridging aquatics” through art, film, and music.

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Core Creative Initiatives

1. Blacks Can’t Swim Documentary Franchise
   This ongoing series of feature films and sequels (2019 – 2024) addresses stereotypes, generational fear, and systemic barriers to swimming within African, Caribbean, and Asian communities.

2. Changing the Narrative (2024)
   A five-part docu-series released during Black History Month, it examines low participation rates, highlights community champions, and offers actionable solutions.

3. NO Lifeguard Public-Safety Campaign (2025)
   This initiative includes a music single, social media shorts, and educational resources aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of unsupervised swimming while amplifying the messaging from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

4. Podcasts & Interviews
   Our series “Why We Don’t Talk About SWIM” and guest sessions with athletes, educators, and policy-makers are designed to broaden the discussion on aquatic equity.

5. Publications & Multimedia
   Our photographic book, A Visual Journey of Blacks Can’t Swim (380 pp), integrates QR-linked videos, unseen footage, and lesson modules, serving as a resource in schools, leisure centres, and DEI training programs.

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Key Activities & Objectives

• Content Production
  Develop engaging documentaries, music, podcasts, and educational kits that humanize statistics and provide a voice for personal experiences.

• Advocacy & Partnership
  Work with charities, like the Black Swimming Association co-founded by Accura, swim school networks, and aquatic national governing bodies to influence policy and funding priorities.

• Education & Outreach
  Offer free learning modules aligned with PE curricula and community pool programs, focusing on water competence and lifesaving skills.

• Representation in Media
  Highlight athletes, instructors, and everyday swimmers of color to confront historical invisibility and provide accessible role models.

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Impact Highlights

• The original Blacks Can’t Swim film trended on Amazon Prime UK within its first month and is now featured by over 120 local authorities during drowning-prevention weeks.

• Changing the Narrative premiered at the National Aquatics Conference and has since been licensed by Swim England for coach CPD modules.

• The NO Lifeguard track garnered 3 million TikTok views in Summer 2025, resulting in a 22% increase in RLSS “Swim Safe” sign-ups during the same timeframe.

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Quick Facts

• Founded: August 2018

• Founder: Ed Accura (filmmaker, producer, recording artist)

• Headquarters: London, UK

• Format: Social impact studio producing film, music, and educational content

• Tagline (informal): “Change the narrative; save lives.”