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Graduate exhibition showcases Bristol’s emerging talent at the Royal Photographic Society.

Bristol Film School at boomsatsuma proudly announces the opening of ‘Blossom Season’, its 2024 Graduate Photography Showcase at the prestigious Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in Bristol, this Saturday. The exhibition showcases exceptional work from the first graduating cohort of BA (Hons) Documentary Photography and Print.

Exhibition details:
Dates: June 15 – June 30, 2024
Location: Royal Photographic Society, 337 Paintworks, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3AR
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Private View and Reception: June 15th, 3pm – 7pm (please contact us for tickets)

The showcase features innovative photography on a diverse range of subjects – from sports to fashion – and demonstrates the high level of creative and technical skills developed on the course. The unique degree, run by award winning photographers, emphasises our students’ hands-on experience and industry engagement but with a strong focus on the ‘art of photography’.

Sam Fordham, Head of Photography at the Bristol Film School, says:

“It’s a privilege to see our students’ hard work and dedication culminate in this outstanding exhibition. Their ability to tell powerful stories through photography is a testament to their talent and the supportive, dynamic environment we strive to create on our photography degree.”

From Sunday 16th June, the exhibition is open to the public, offering an excellent opportunity for artists, industry professionals, and the local community to engage with the next generation of photographers. Admission is free and many of the exhibited works will be available for purchase.

Interested in Photography? Come to boomsatsuma’s open day at the Royal Photographic Society on Saturday 15th June from 1130. Talk to award-winning photography team and get a sneak preview of the exhibition.

Check out the new Photography and Print Degree .

Image Credits:  Amber Mylius-King (article body -first image), Matthew Roderick (article body – second image)

Boomsatsuma is transforming Creative Industries education with the launch of Bristol Film School and Bristol Creative Technology Centre.

For the last three years, boomsatsuma has been delivering cutting-edge, industry aligned film, photography and games degrees. The next step in the region’s leading creative training providers’ evolution sees Bristol Film School become home to filmmaking and photography degrees, with Bristol Creative Technology Centre (BCTC) housing Bristol Games Studio, alongside the entrepreneurial Venture Studio.

CEO and Founder Mark Curtis says:

“Boomsatsuma has developed a reputation for changing lives. Through our innovative courses we are helping to nurture and develop highly skilled, talented young people, whether that’s at college or degree level. Our new structure focuses on preparing students for successful careers. We are committed to ensuring Bristol remains a powerhouse of creativity and we want the Film School and BCTC to become cornerstones of the city’s successful Creative Industries sector.”

Bristol Film School

Bristol Film School has ambitious plans. Dr. Susan McMillan, Executive Dean, explains why this dynamic rebranding is important for the company, the city and its students:

“The new name, Bristol Film School, says ‘what’s in the tin’ making it clearer to those who don’t know us what we do, how we do it and where. Bristol is globally renowned for its film and television production, and we are trailblazers in shaping new talent to ensure its success, working alongside our wonderful industry partners.”

Bristol-based director of Netflix hit The Crown, Philippa Lowthorpe, three-times BAFTA Award winner, sums up the mood from industry:

“Changing the name really positions boomsatsuma where it should be – as a leader in film and TV in the South West and nationally. Bristol needs its own Film School. It’s incredible we don’t have one. This is fabulous news.”

Bristol Creative Technology Centre

BCTC builds on boomsatsuma’s growing connections with the region’s creative technology sector and its’ ambition to combine degree level learning with the delivery of entrepreneurial, commercially viable projects for partners.

A key development has been the foundation of an in-house incubator, Venture Studio. Led by Richard Blows, Head of BCTC, a team of Game Art graduates and students have been engaged as freelance developers to recreate the world’s first historically accurate digital reconstruction of Hadrian’s Wall for Microsoft Flight Simulator, in partnership with Time Machine Designs.

BCTC Production Manager Mark Fisher comments:

“I had the opportunity to work on the Hadrian’s Wall project through being a boomsatsuma Game Art graduate. I started at boomsatsuma as a college student on the Games, VR and VFX course. Once I finished that I moved onto the Game Art degree and as soon I finished that I was able to start on the Hadrian’s Wall project. Being able to go straight into a job was an amazing feeling and it has been an amazing experience from start to finish.”

To find out more about boomsatsuma degrees and the opportunities available through Bristol Film School or BCTC, come along to our next Open Day on 15th June.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Thangam Debbonaire, Labour MP for Bristol West, met boomsatsuma staff and students to find out more about the challenges and opportunities facing the independent training and funding for the regions Creative Industry sector,  joined by representatives from Better Society Capital, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital and Access – the Foundation for Social Investment.

The visit to Leadworks, one of boomsatsuma’s six training centres across Bristol, Friday 10th May, gave the MP first hand insight as to how boomsatsuma delivers education differently, bringing opportunities to the often-marginalised communities across the city. The award-winning Bristol-based disruptive educator has seen demand for its courses from students feeding into careers within the regions’ thriving creative industry sector rise year on year.

Thangam Debbonaire, MP, engaged in discussions delving into the potential for ethical funding routes for the betterment of communities, culture and education. She states:

“It was great to visit boomsatsuma and see how their brilliant facilities and staff are enabling students to take their talent to the next level. I’m proud of Bristol’s vibrant cultural life. As Culture Secretary in a Labour government, I’ll work with institutions like boomsatsuma to secure the creative talent pipeline our city needs so that it can continue to generate joy, jobs and wealth that we all benefit from.”

boomsatsuma has been supported with around £800k investment from City Funds, the place-based impact investment fund managed by BBRC, which underpinned significant expansion and enabled higher capacity. City Funds is a £10m fund created for investment from Better Society Capital, Bristol City Council and Access: The Foundation for Social Investment.

Founder Mark Curtis explained:

“It’s great to have this opportunity to have a dialogue with our local MP, who clearly shares our passion for culture, sports and (can see) their importance to the local society and economy. It’s encouraging that there is top level recognition that these sectors are important and require training pathways, beyond Maths and Engineering, to meet the needs of the employers and also fulfil the passions to give the next generations a voice.”

Mark continues:

“A significant challenge for providers like boomsatsuma is that although we could meet the demands of expanding student numbers and align new courses with the regions’ skills agenda, we have had no direct access to central Government or the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to support our growth and demand. We have increased our engagement with Business West and West England Combined Authority over the past year and today’s visit will hopefully help consolidate our position in the local creative training landscape.

“While we enjoy very positive relationships with our education partners (at Cabot Learning Federation and Olympus Academy), it’s unfortunate that we are capped by the current system that restricts our ability to grow and scale into new markets and territories. Without systemic change we can only reach a limited number of young people.

“Sometimes to make a difference you have to actually do things differently. We are hoping the next administration will support us in this.”

Stephen Muers, CEO, Better Society Capital said:

“Boomsatsuma is a brilliant organisation helping to channel Bristolian talent into creative jobs. Organisations like this which help people access the UK’s thriving creative industries are invaluable and we are so glad to support Mark and the team. We appreciate boomsatsuma’s hospitality, and it was great to be able to show Thangam Debbonaire a wonderful example of the role social investment can play in a really important local business.

Social investment can help transform lives and we are eager to work with the next government to unlock billions more pounds of private investment into tackling the UK’s social issues and grow the economy.”

Ed Rowberry, Chief Executive, BBRC, said:

“BBRC is delighted to have invested in boomsatsuma by deploying blended finance at the local level via City Funds.  The blend of finance, sourced from Better Society Capital, Access and Bristol City Council has enabled boomsatsuma to continue to deliver on its important mission to provide pathways for young people particularly those from Bristol’s marginalised communities, into the region’s creative and digital workforce.”

 

Pictured:

The Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Thangam Debbonaire, Labour MP for Bristol West, with boomsatsuma staff and students, Better Society Capital, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital and Access – the Foundation for Social Investment. Outside of Leadworks, Bristol.

Picture by Jett Morgan, Year 2 Photography level 3 student at boomsatsuma College

Boomsatsuma has announced the validation of its Film, Photography and Games degrees by Kingston University.

From September 2024, all degrees offered by the Film School and Games Studio in Bristol will be awarded by Kingston University. The validation event was attended by Kingston academics and top industry experts from the photography, games, film and TV world. It marks a significant milestone for both institutions and underscores a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent for the creative industries.

Kingston University has a distinguished reputation. The institution, based in Greater London, has received an overall rating of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in all three categories, which means the University has demonstrated the highest quality teaching standards, while its student experience is consistently outstanding. It is also one of the top 10 institutions in the country across seven subject areas and for film degrees, ranked tenth nationally and second in London.

Dr. Susan McMillan, Executive Dean, said:

“I am so pleased that our partnership is now official. It means we can take the next step towards establishing ourselves as Bristol’s first Film School and growing our game art, design and production offer with Kingston School of Art. This partnership comes at a particularly exciting time in boomsatsuma’s evolution and we now look to the future, working with an institution that is both creative, inspiring and dynamic.”

The panel commended the boomsatsuma on their unique offer and in particular the culture of creativity, sense of community and proactive approach to employability.  Mandy Ure, Dean of Kingston School of Art, emphasised the innovative approach and benefits of the partnership:

“This new partnership with boomsatsuma’s Film School and Games Studio in Bristol creates exciting synergies between Creative Arts courses across our institutions. It uses Kingston University’s Future Skills approach to equip students with the skills, knowledge and drive to innovate and succeed in a dynamic Creative Industries sector.”

In addition to academic collaboration, boomsatsuma will integrate Kingston University’s Future Skills programmes into the new degrees, enhancing students’ readiness for their future careers and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed.

For more information about boomsatsuma’s new degree courses in Filmmaking: Production, Filmmaking: Post Production, Game Art, Game Design and Production, Photography and Print visit our website.

The RTS West of England Student Awards were announced on Monday, 4th March, 2024, with boomsatsuma Film School degree students winning a handful of Craft Awards.

The Royal Television Society Awards celebrate the very best student films from across the UK, with categories ranging from Factual to Entertainment and Comedy Drama. Boomsatsuma’s Film School students picked up five craft awards at the event, acknowledging creative and technical talents behind the following films:

KILLING BUGS – Writing Award to Jack Lee Pitchford.

THE BRISTOL CROCODILE – Writing Award to Lucy Rowe and Teddy Smith.

SUICIDE HEADACHE – Sound Award to Tom Foster, and Editing Award to Suleman Aqeel and Leon Lock.

SUNFLOWER – Production Design Award to Dora Pamment.

Freya Billington, Head of boomsatsuma’s Film School, attended the event at Bristol’s Watershed Cinema. With a celebratory glass of champagne in hand, she said:

“I am over the moon that our students are already making their mark and winning awards. This is an amazing achievement considering our Filmmaking Production and Post Production degrees have only been running for two years. I could not be prouder of the students and the fantastic teaching team I am lucky enough to work with.”

For Dr Susan McMillan, Executive Dean at boomsatsuma, the awards came as no surprise:

“Boomsatsuma’s Film School is fast developing a local, regional and national reputation. Our industry partners, whether that’s Films@59 or the BBC, know we are developing the next generation of talent for Bristol’s film and TV sector. This shows we are heading in the right direction – expect to see more award-winning films in the future.”

You can watch the films on boomsatsuma’s course pages for Filmmaking: Production and Filmmaking: Post Production, by scrolling down to the Projects section.

New term, new partnership between The Olympus Academy Trust and boomsatsuma, new opportunities for students across the region; September 2023. 

The collaboration adds over 100 students to boomsatsuma, benefitting the experience of The Olympus Trust’s provision to 6,500 students across 10 Bristol schools.  boomsatsuma introduces a new College education centre, which has welcomed 70 students this September, at Portland Square, St Pauls, extending the links with and opportunities for young people.

Plans to establish a Post 16 creative technologies pathway for Olympus students have also been announced, with support from boomsatsuma, building on the model of the engineering pathway developed at Abbeywood Community School.  The highly successful boomsatsuma suite of Post 16 courses will continue to run at their existing sites in central Bristol, with additional courses on offer in Olympus Post 16 settings from 2024, including at Patchway Community School, when it moves into its new building and state of the art facilities.  This will widen opportunity for students in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, giving access to courses not currently available locally.

Details of these fresh opportunities for Post 16 learners will be shared at Olympus Post 16 Open Events taking place at the end of October and beginning of November, with boomsatsuma present to share details of their courses too.

Dave Baker, Olympus CEO said:

“Boomsatsuma’s track record is impressive, both in terms of courses offered and outcomes achieved by students.  I am delighted that we are able to work in partnership to bring their offer to Olympus students from 2024.”

The Olympus Trust partnership currently covers 16-19 year olds at Leadworks studying Games Design, along with the established Level 3 Sports Media cohort at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma Creative Director says:

“This is an exciting expansion adding to our capacity, going from five to six College facilities (alongside our two additional Degree centres) to create opportunities for young people who crave an alternative education offering. Putting the boom into the Olympus Trust engine feels very comfortable, as they clearly share our values and endorse our philosophy to put the students at the centre of our educational practices. Bringing their engineering and our creative technology curriculums closer will be an exciting development for the future of Bristol.”

Luke Fazackerley, boomsatsuma College Lead says:

“We will be sticking to our ethos of student focused education linked to the creative sector, with small class sizes and industry guided experiences for our new cohort. Aligning ourselves with The Olympus Trust builds on our successful partnership with Cabot Learning Federation, who will continue to support our delivery of our Film & TV course at The Bottle Yard Studios, among others. We are building on the excellent results of 2022/23*, when boomsatsuma again significantly exceeded local FE Colleges performance on all measures.”

When boomsatsuma collected its’ second Bristol Life Award for Education in March 2023, the Judges commented on the links across the city creating opportunities and progression for students, more than half of which are drawn from the most deprived wards in the Greater Bristol area.

There is a strong focus on inclusivity for all, with boomsatsuma selecting potential students based around attitude and educating for progression. Last years’ student intake covered a diverse academic profile with GCSE grades ranging from 1 to 9, 20% have identified additional learning needs, 13% identify as gender fluid or trans and 15% identify as non-white British.

Beth Griffiths, boomsatsuma’s Head of Outreach states:

“It’s important that young people across the region are aware that the best option for them may be a route into a career in the expanding TV, Film, photography or Games sectors. We run an extensive outreach program across 80 schools. Our focus has always been across Bristol, but now spans South Gloucester to Somerset and we have students joining us from Bridgewater this year.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to follow a creative/digital pathway to get in touch via our website, boomsatsuma.com .”

Ends

Pictured: Dave Baker and Mark Curtis with Olympus Trust and boomsatsuma staff at

Winterbourne Academy

*

2021 – 2023 boomsatsuma Cohort Results for 108 Learners.

92% retention.

MERIT and above – 100%

DISTINCTION and above – 65%

DISTINCTION * and above – 49%

boomsatsuma welcomed representatives from the Department of Culture, Music and Sport (DCMS) and the West of England Combined Authority to see first-hand how boomsatsuma is successfully upskilling and reskilling young people in new and exciting ways

Having moved three of its creative, digital college courses into a new training centre at Bristol’s centrally located Leadworks, boomsatsuma’s Executive Dean, Dr Susan McMillan, welcomed Elizabeth Mitchel, DCMS, and Gail Caig (Creative Industries Council and Bristol Creative Industries) to meet course tutors and students.

Gail Caig, Creative Industries Council and Bristol Creative Industries, states:

“The talent on show on our visit to boomsatsuma in Bristol was impressive. The Creative Industries needs young people with creative and tech skills and this was a real opportunity to meet the next generation of talent. My work supporting the Creative Industries Council focuses on areas where there are barriers to growth for the UK’s creative sector, such as access to skills and ensuring we have a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Our visit really highlighted what excellent work is already happening in Bristol to enable young people from all backgrounds to access jobs in the sector”

The fact find mission informed DCMS and West of England Combined Authority’s with insights as to how boomsatsuma’s close links with West Country creative industry businesses and skills strategy impact students’ development in a significantly positive way.

Elizabeth Mitchell, DCMS Head of Skills, Diversity and Levelling Up, Media and Creative Industries comments:

“The DCMS team was so impressed by the energy and quality of the young students we met at boomsatsuma. The company’s admirable focus on matching their young people’s talents to the needs of the industry in Bristol will ensure a strong and localised talent pipeline for the creative sector.”

The expanding Createch sector in the West Country will bring meaningful employment opportunities across the coming years. Strong links with companies at the sharp end gives boomsatsuma students first hand experiences to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare them very well for an incredible range of careers.

Dr Susan McMillan states:

“Many of the city’s young people – at School and College – may not be aware of these creative tech roles, yet with some insight and training, they will be ideally suited to these careers. We work directly with schools across Bristol and the West Country to inspire children about working in the Creative Industries. We are now offering free, inspirational workshops and talks to schools in subjects from Game Art and Web Design to Virtual Reality. On our college courses we help students focus their ambition and skills. Our new portfolio of creative and technical degrees then gives young people an opportunity to enhance their understanding and industry experience and focus on employment through our meaningful and working relationships with employers from the BBC to The Bottle Yard Studios. We are connecting up the sections of the talent pipeline.

“I believe it is that our connected approach, from school, to college, to degree, to employment, is what differentiates boomsatsuma as a very effective educator.”

The ongoing expansion of boomsatsuma, with new technical degree’s coming on-line next year, precipitated taking on the Leadworks as a new course centre. Being located so close to We The Curious, The Watershed and Bristol Beacons places students in the creative heart of Bristol.

boomsatsuma launches a new BA (Hons) Visual Effects Degree, with the appointment of John Rowe as Head of Animation and Visual Effects, Nov 21.

Extending boomsatsuma’s Higher Education skills training into the expanding Creative Industries sector, the new BA (Hons) Visual Effects, and newly announced BSc (Hons) Web Design and Development Degrees, are in-line with the national strategy for digital skills training, with transferrable skill sets that cross over into many industry sectors.

John Rowe has written the Visual Effects focussed course content, with industry support and approval, and he will lead its delivery to students from September 2022. He brings extensive experience and expertise in 3D visual effects, including his previous role creating digital courses at the National Film and Television School. John states:

“This course will give students the skills they need to gain employment in the expanding creative industries. It is driven by the needs identified by employers, both now and in the future, so we are listening closely to our commercial partners when constructing course content. It is particularly focused on training and empowering the storytellers of the future, using state-of-the-art technologies and software.

“boomsatsuma has a proven history of connecting the diverse communities across the West Country with creative companies, through education pathways that empower students to find their own voices, which I am delighted, and proud, to be a part of.”

The new Visual Effects degree supports boomsatsuma’s ambitious plans to develop socially diverse talent for the creative and tech sectors. It complements boomsatsuma’s existing degrees in Filmmaking (Production and Post Production) and Game Art and will be designed to encourage people to think about visual effects and game engines not just for the creative industries, but also for other sectors – from health to architecture.

For more course information and details on how to apply follow the link to https://www.boomsatsuma.com/visualeffects.

As students prepare to go back, boomsatsuma is gearing up to welcome the next cohort into an expanded programme of college diploma Level 3 and Higher Education BA (HONS) degree courses this September.

An education with boomsatsuma is distinctly different from what is offered by mainstream schools and colleges. Our courses are located with creative industry partners and give our students exposure to real workplace experiences and we are delighted to confirm a new collaboration with a local Bristol Creative company, Pytch, providing another great opportunity for our students.

boomsatsuma has extended its connections into Bristol’s creative business sector, entering a new collaboration with PYTCH, to give students experience working in a professional live and virtual events environment.

Bristol-based PYTCH has been providing creative events services and technology to corporate and music clients for two decades.  After connecting with boomsatsuma earlier this summer, an agreement to support students with workplace experience has been made. The company opened its state-of-the-art studios in July ’21 to give boomsatsuma students insights into the potential careers they could follow, as PYTCH founder Johnny Palmer explains:

“We have always believed in nurturing young talent. When we realised that boomsatsuma’s education model incorporates work-based experience and draws students from the diverse communities across Bristol we were keen to extend the chance to work with us.

“The speed with which boomsatsuma reacted to our request and the quality of the students has really impressed the whole team and we are looking forward to welcoming many more.”

Martha Iles and Caitlyn Argles, Level 3 Extended Diploma Creative and Digital Media students based at Engine Shed, were the first boomsatsuma students given a paid four-week placement, to round off their first year.

Caitlyn Argles enthuses:

“This has been a great opportunity. We’ve been made to feel part of the team and worked alongside them on ‘live projects’, which was really exciting. We’ve both learned so much beyond the things we learn in college about what goes on behind the scenes, from the warehouse, to lighting to PAT testing. It’s given us a realistic view about a real working environment.”

Martha adds:

“A big thing I’ve learned is to seize the opportunities – say yes, be willing to do what is needed and more doors will open.”

We took a camera to Pytch to capture the thoughts of Pytch and the students, which can be seen in video.

Two more boomsatsuma students have already joined PYTCH in August for their placement.

Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma director, comments;

“Giving students high-end experiences with access to creative industry workplaces sits at the core of our ethos. PYTCH is a really dynamic events environment and they have been incredibly accommodating and inclusive in the way they have worked with Martha and Caitlyn. I am sure this has given them both great insight and boosted their confidence to take on a creative career, whether that be in events, TV, or Film. It will be interesting to follow their progress.”

Ends

Pictured (L to R): Martha Iles and Caitlyn Argles

Bristol educator boomsatsuma is expanding, teaming up with George Ferguson to drive for change, with new studios in the Tobacco Factory, to host four creative BA (Hons) degrees.

Work is underway installing the purpose-built education facility, which will welcome students in September 2021. It will comprise two new film studios, a screening lecture space, computer suite, games lab, darkroom and specially designed creative space, where students can develop and discuss ideas in an inspiring environment.

Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma director, states:

“We’re very excited to be located at the Tobacco Factory, what a great place to live, learn and tap into the opportunities afforded by the Bristol Creative industries. Tobacco Factory’s success perfectly illustrates what can be achieved by and for the people of our city. This is a significant investment for the future, bringing higher education into this part of the city, which we expect will enrich opportunity in the area to fuel the next creative generation, for film production with a progressive cross-over into virtual production and the games industry. If you want to see change do something different.”

The new degrees have all been accredited by Bath Spa University, whose Head of School of Creative Industries, Dr Susan McMillan, who is also a board member of Bristol Creative Industries, is excited at the potential positive, saying:

“I am a huge supporter of boomsatsuma: they are reaching parts that Universities and other colleges cannot reach, as well as developing future creative talent in new and exciting ways.

“The creative industries deliver significant economic, social and reputational value to Bristol, the region, and the UK’s economy. The pandemic has had a negative effect on education and severely compromised the future for young people. boomsatsuma and their move to the Tobacco Factory creates a real opportunity to lead on rebuilding our creative sector by nurturing and developing the socially diverse, creative young talent, creative employers will need, post-pandemic.”

Freya Billington, newly appointed course director of boomsatsuma’s two new BA (Hons) Filmmaking degrees – production and post-production – enthuses about the new facility:

“In keeping with boomsatsuma’s ethos, this degree has been designed alongside our industry partners to specifically address where the skill shortages are and help develop graduates that are completely prepared and ready for employment. The two pathways, Production and Post-Production, allow for students to engage with and develop an understanding of the whole filmmaking process but also specialise up to a professional level in their chosen field. Whilst the studios will be equipped with current Industry-standard equipment and software, capping the intake also enables a focus on each student’s individual career and personal development.”

Alongside the Film degree, the Tobacco Factory will house boomsatsuma’s Games Art VFX BA (Hons) and Documentary Photography BA (Hons) degrees, in addition to the Bristol School of Acting’s new partnership, located in Tobacco Factory Theatres, with its Acting for Screen BA (Hons) and accelerated Acting for Stage & Screen BA (Hons). Freya continues:

“We will be limiting spaces to 20 spaces per pathway to ensure personalised teaching, attracting students nationally, but are also making sure there are opportunities for local communities.

“We are going to proactively collaborate between the degree courses. The mutual benefits for filmmakers, actors, games VR & VFX developers and photographers to work together under one roof is a fabulous plus for these students. I’m sure the fact that there’s a ground floor café and bar will also be appreciated!”

Building on 13 years of successfully delivering post-16 level 3 diplomas in digital and creative qualifications, the new location strengthens boomsatsuma’s partnerships, adding to course locations with Bristol creative companies at The Royal Photographic Society, The Bottle Yard Studios, Films @ 59, Ashton Gate Stadium and the Engine Shed.

The South Bristol location is an important link for education opportunities for the diverse, often overlooked communities of Bristol, into creative industries within the region. This is an ethos close to the heart of George Ferguson CBE, the city’s first independent Mayor, architect, sustainability campaigner, community champion and creator of the Tobacco Factory mixed use project. He states:

“I am thrilled at the prospect of boomsatsuma adding to the great creative community that has grown up around the Tobacco Factory project. I have watched their growth with interest and they are a perfect fit with our mission to benefit South Bristol culturally and economically.

“Education and the creative arts are such strong drivers for positive change and the social and environmental benefits that follow, which is more important than ever as we fight our way out of the dire time that we have all been through.

“Tobacco Factory has always looked to encourage and host enterprises that bring opportunity to this part of the city, and give a platform for the untapped, diverse talent that is all around us. Education will fuel Bristol’s creative community with relevant, local skills, bringing us new messages and viewpoints on life.

“We are delighted to be part of what we see as a sustainable recovery from this culturally and economically bruising pandemic. We could not have a better start than giving our young people the chance to grow and meet their full potential.”

Applications are open for courses at https://www.boomsatsuma.education

Pictured Left to Right:  Mark Curtis. Freya Billington.George Ferguson.