The importance of supporting the next generation of creative talent was highlighted today during a visit to the BRIT School in Croydon by Lord Mandelson, Business Secretary, and Ben Bradshaw, Culture Secretary, hosted by former Brit School student, Leona Lewis.
Leona Lewis showed Ministers around the school that helped nurture her musical ability, including student lessons covering dance, theatre and computing. The Ministers listened to the students’ views on the challenges they face in trying to establish a career in the creative industries, including the dramatic growth of digital platforms and the issues surrounding illegal file sharing.
Leona Lewis said:
"I had a great time at The Brit School, it encouraged my creative talent and gave me an understanding of the music business as well as getting an education at the same time. I learnt how the performance industries actually work and how much work goes on behind the scenes into creating, recording and releasing a song. It's important that people understand how copyright means that performers and writers can actually end up making a living out of their work."
Nick Williams, Principal of the BRIT School commented:
“The government estimates that the creative industries’ contribution to the UK economy is 6.4%, supplying more than one million jobs. The BRIT school is a hot house for young people who are seeking a career in this sector, as producers, filmmakers, graphic designers, dancers, sound engineers, radio DJ’s, actors, stage managers, games programmers, musicians, choreographers… the list goes on. The school is very proud of its track record in this regard and grateful to The BRIT Trust for its support for our work.”
A YouGov poll* published today showed that 82% of the public agree or strongly agree that actors and musicians deserve to be compensated for their work. It also reveals that 58% agree or strongly agree that if the next generation of musicians and artists are not compensated for their work, the UK's creative industries will suffer as a result.
The BRIT School is a state school, and all places are free. It is the first school of its kind dedicated to education and vocational training for the performing arts and the technology which makes performance possible. Other former students include Amy Winehouse, Adele, Kate Nash, Katie Melua, The Kooks, The Noisettes, Imogen Heap and The Feeling.
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Adam Liversage - BPI on 020 7803 1326 or 07801 179 032
Notes For Editors
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2037 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th - 14th September 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
About the BRIT School:
The BRIT School is Britain's only FREE Performing Arts and Technology School. It is an independent, state funded City College for the Technology of the Arts, the only one of its kind dedicated to education and vocational training for the performing arts, media, art and design and the technologies that make performance possible. As a school for 14-19 year olds, we are unique and pioneering in our approach to education, but we are not a stage or fame school. We recognise that most of our students intend to make a career in the arts, entertainment and communications industries, but the school expects all to follow full time courses to completion. It is a vocational school; if an applicant is determined on a life devoted to art, dance, music, radio, television/film or theatre, then this could well be the right place.