Access Creative College has launched the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts (AVA), which will provide students with an all-encompassing experience of working within the creative industries alongside their studies.

The Bristol college, which also offers courses in music, gaming, esports and computing, is developing its media pathways by enrolling students into the new Academy to develop core work-ready skills while studying content creation, film, video, photography, animation, visual effects or graphic design.

The Academy will be based at Access Creative College’s Bristol Campus in Broadmead, offering learners access to industry-grade photography studios, green screen rooms, performance spaces and production pods alongside collaborative workspaces.

The College is now calling on businesses and organisations in the creative industries to join as collaborators with the Academy. Learners have already begun exploring work with existing organisations including Sons of Graham and Mobile Pie, as well as local music festivals.

Academy members will also collaborate with the wider college community to capture content and bring to life the incredible work that students produce on a day by day basis. Becoming a collaborator enables organisations to help shape the college’s curriculum and training, and the professional development of learners, offering guidance to young talent to help them meet organisational needs.

The launch of the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts follows feedback from the West of England Local Skills Improvement Plan, which demonstrated that despite Bristol’s thriving creative industry, many parents lack the understanding of creative employment opportunities across the region.

Jon Domaille, Head of Bristol Campus commented: “Bristol is famous across the world for its creative industry, with the likes of the BBC, Aardman and Plimsoll Productions calling the city home. As the largest independent training provider in the UK, we recognise the role we play in supporting the next generation of talent to excel in their creative fields.

“We’re extremely excited to launch the Academy. The unique opportunity to work on live briefs will not only develop the students’ core skills of communication, problem solving and organisational skills that are sought after by employers both regionally and nationally but will also show them first-hand what a career in the creative industries can look like.”

In addition to earning their Level 2 and/or Level 3 Diplomas in their chosen subject matter, learners will be tasked with forming their own limited production companies – developing their own brands, and service offerings based on skill sets, such as graphic design, content creation, film, photography and animation.

Throughout the academic year, students will then have the opportunity to pitch for and work on live projects set by local businesses across the city, working together to fulfil the briefs while developing their skills in teamwork, collaboration and client relations.

Alongside the live briefs, students will also have access to some of the brightest creative minds from across the region, as well as access to workshops with industry practitioners, and trips and experiences to consolidate, inspire and build upon their learned experiences.

Domaille continued: “Inspiring students through opportunity is at the heart of Access Creative College’s ethos, and through the Academy we’re delighted to offer our students access to some of the top creatives our region has to offer. We’re always keen to expand our network and encourage any business that would like to support the Academy and help us shape the talent pipelines of tomorrow to get in contact.”

To find out more or sign up as a partner or collaborator to the Academy, please contact Jon Domaille on email at [email protected]. For more information about the AVA visit: https://www.accesscreative.ac.uk/campaign/bristol-academy-of-visual-arts-ava/

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