A new London arts college hoping to redesign creative education as an inclusive catalyst for social and economic change is seeking crowdfunding from philanthropists and donors to ‘secure the future of authentic creativity' among young people ‘sidelined from mainstream education'.
All City Arts College (ACAC) is shaking up creative education ‘in need of urgent change' in the UK with a bold and innovative approach powered by high-profile artists and experts from the arts community. Its aim is to break down financial barriers and ensure that ‘no creative spark is left dimmed'.
Predominantly reliant on donations, with some income from local authorities, patrons of ACAC include award-winning musician and trailblazer Ms. Dynamite, award-winning actor, singer, composer, playwright Sheila Atim, acclaimed playwright, actor and theatre director Ché Walker, and Carleen De Sözer, a visionary street artist from Birmingham known for her bold murals. All support the need for better and accessible routes into sustainable creative careers and art as a tool for social change.
Aimed at creative minds aged 14-19, ACAC's crowdfunding campaign aims to bring its vision of inclusivity, diversity, and social justice to life. This isn't just another school; it's a groundbreaking shift in how we approach learning and creativity.
The school is the vision of James Fornara, who was the founding principal of Wac Arts College, England's first alternative provision free school specialising in performing arts and creative media production.
James says “ACAC stands out as a vibrant hub where inclusivity and creativity come together to create something truly exceptional, where no creative spark is left dimmed. With a focus on students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who've struggled in or been sidelined by mainstream education, ACAC is dedicated to giving everyone a chance to shine. It's like a backstage pass to a new era of education where every student's unique talents and backgrounds are celebrated.”
“We take a person-centred approach and must secure systemic change to address how society has devalued creativity, particularly amidst decades of decline in funding. This is further impacted by newer threats like unregulated AI, which has the potential to silence future talent and further remove the joy of the creative process from the industry and our lives.”
“ACAC's mission goes beyond traditional education, focusing on social justice and empowering students to make an impact. Its innovative and inclusive curriculum offers a launchpad for those who might otherwise miss out on creative opportunities.”
Adding to ACAC's strength is Advisory Board co-chair Sir Nick Williams, an important figure in vocational education and former principal of the BRIT School from 2001 to 2012, where he pioneered vocational training for careers in the performing arts. Under his leadership, the BRIT School became a hub for producing top performers, with graduates like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, and Leona Lewis.
To donate, with rewards ranging from merchandise to creative sponsorship offered between £35 and £10,000, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/all-city-arts-college-1?exp=exp-pledge&expv=A.
