Central hosts inaugural Mulberry Production Arts Academy Graduation Ceremony

Students from Mulberry Arts sit in Central's Embassy theatre as they are introduced to their graduation ceremony. A presentation plays on the big screen with a welcome slide to the ceremony — Photo courtesy of Mulberry Arts

On 12 January 2024, Central was pleased to welcome graduands from the Mulberry Production Arts Academy for their inaugural graduation, hosted in the Embassy Theatre.

The ceremony marked one year since the programme was established as a partnership initiative between the Mulberry Schools Trust, the National Theatre, and Central. Training and career opportunities are offered in the field of production and technical arts to students aged 13-17 attending the Mulberry Schools Trust.

Terri Cash, Central’s Access and Participation Manager, spoke about the ceremony:

“We were honoured to be approached by the Mulberry Schools Trust to partner with them on this new venture, and we are so thrilled to have hosted their very first graduation at Central. We have had the privilege to watch their students grow in confidence and determination, taking on management roles to organise and put on some incredible events this past year.”

The ceremony saw students from across different ages and demographics graduate, with the Academy offering learning pathways for Key Stages 3 to 5, with a focus on representing students from disadvantaged groups.

The Academy’s website states: “The establishment of this academy takes explicit positive action to address the current skills shortage in the UK’s production and technical arts workforce and the wider chronic crisis in representation within the UK’s cultural and creative industries.”

As well as its network of industry professionals, Central provides access to learning spaces and venues, such as the Embassy Theatre where the graduation was hosted. Chris Stone, Head of Mulberry Arts commented on the collaboration:

“We are so grateful to Central for supporting us. It is so important to run projects like ours in partnership with Higher Education institutions like Central. We want to break down all the myths and barriers that may prevent our students from applying to creative courses, and ensure our students are fully aware of all the wonderful career opportunities within the arts that are available to them when they leave school.”

Visit the Mulberry Arts Trust website for more information about the Trust and the Mulberry Production Arts Academy.