The BRIT Awards with Mastercard today launches the first in a series of videos, aimed at celebrating the heritage, influence and future of the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology.
Comprising of six episodes in total, ‘BRIT School Stories’ shines a light on the opportunities that The BRIT School, the UK’s first and leading performing and creative arts school for 1,400 young people aged 14 to 19, which is free to attend, offers to those seeking a career in the creative arts. The series demonstrates the link between The BRIT Awards, the BRIT Trust and the School, with headline sponsor Mastercard funding the project.
Episode 1: Beginnings looks at the early days of The BRIT School, where musicians, actors, dancers, technicians and designers first learn their skills. It includes testimonials from current students, as well as former students such as Freya Ridings, Jessie J, Katie Melua and Tom Holland, who have gone on to enjoy significant careers within music and entertainment. They pay tribute to the role that The BRIT School has had in providing a platform to develop their own skills to become the successful artists they are today in their respective fields, and celebrating the relationship between The BRIT School and The BRIT Awards.
The BRIT School is supported by The BRIT Trust, The BRIT Awards and of the wider music community. The BRIT Awards with Mastercard raises much needed funds for the BRIT Trust who in turn are the primary sponsor. To date, The Trust has donated around £27 million to a range of progressive causes, including The BRIT School, the UK’s leading performing and creative arts school that is free to attend, and Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy provider, as its main beneficiaries since 1989.
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: “BRIT School Stories demonstrate the power of music to connect, give people a voice and bring communities together – and we are grateful to the enduring commitment of Mastercard and the brilliant creativity of BRIT School students in making these illuminating videos possible.”
Tony Wadsworth CBE, Chair of the BRIT Trust, said: “Thanks to the creativity of the BRIT School students and the support of Mastercard for these films. Explaining how the BRITs events, the BRIT Trust charity and BRIT School connect is wonderful to have showcased in this way.”
Charlie Carrington, Vice President Consumer Marketing & Sponsorships said: “We are thrilled to be supporting ‘BRIT School Stories’ which brings to life the work and values of the school. Mastercard is proud of its partnership with the BRIT Awards over the last two decades as it provides us with an ongoing opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the impact and success the BRIT School has made to the creative arts community and lives of talented young people. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the school to ensure this unique institution can endure as a hub for inclusivity, knowledge and creativity for young artists.”
