A new performing arts college is coming to Brighton.
BN1 Arts, which will be at Vantage Point in New England Road, will begin welcoming students from September.
The college will bring together music and performing arts under one roof by offering 16 to 18-year-olds level 3 extended diplomas in creative and performing arts, and level 3 extended diplomas in the creative music industry.
There will be an initial intake of 85 students split between music and theatre
A spokesman for the college, which has been founded by music industry professional, West End performer and educator Mia Bird, said: “In the face of devastating closures of numerous performing arts and music provisions in the area, BN1 Arts is launching a fully funded music and performing arts further education (FE) provision with the aim to ensure that young creatives, some who may not excel in academic subjects at post 16, still have access to specialist industry-led training at further education level.
“BN1 Arts recognises the challenges faced by the industry and the insufficiency of government funding to cover the costs of running these vital courses. However, the school is determined to overcome these obstacles and remains unwavering in its commitment to providing exceptional arts education.”
Bosses said all students at BN1 Arts will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in London's West End, with friends, family and industry guests in attendance, including agents, casting directors and record labels.
The school will also serve as a professional hub within the city, connecting individuals in the creative industries while fostering close links with businesses.
"Our mission is to offer young people the very best arts training in the UK,” said Ms Bird.
“At BN1 Arts we deliver traditional tutoring in creative specialties while providing a unique insight into the current trends and demands of the professional performance industry.
“We equip our students with the mindset and know-how to navigate this industry, making them resilient, tenacious and highly sought after.”
Ms Bird is the founder of Bird Studios, also based at Vantage Point, which no longer exists.
BN1 Arts is supported and endorsed by education partner SupaJam and BIMM.
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The teaching staff comprises West End professionals, top music artists and producers who have worked with renowned musicians such as Rag'n' Bone Man and Drake.
It has also gained industry veterans as patrons including Julian Stoneman, Ray Shell, Helen Searle and Ron Elliston.
Julian Stoneman, known for managing and producing shows such as Billy Elliot, Rock Of Ages and Bat Out Of Hell, expressed his excitement about the school's vision.
He said: "We have amassed a truly inspiring line-up of teachers in music, theatre and even social media marketing, providing young people with all the tools to create a hugely successful career.
“BN1 Arts is being dubbed within the industry as the Brit School of the South and we can't wait to open our doors to students in September and help them progress towards long and successful careers in the industry."
Webinars, open days and tours are now available for courses for September 2023.
The BN1 Arts team is also launching an agency, a management company and a major initiative called the GradCan where industry professionals come together to work on the progressing young freshly trained talent into real time creative industry careers and opportunities.
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