With an increasing number of people choosing not to go to university and instead carving creative careers through alternative training and work-based opportunities, we discuss the pros and cons (and inevitable ups and downs) of a DIY arts education.
On the panel is:
Josh Wilkinson – Manchester-based actor, presenter and film maker. Josh is a board member at Contact Theatre and multi disciplinary facilitator with Creative Experts. He was also a member of Project X at HOME where he curated an installation in the main theatre space. Josh is a self-taught film maker and co-founder of Modify Productions.
Duncan McCombe – A social entrepreneur, business founder, actor, creative facilitator and all-round freelancer on a mission to change the way career advice is given to young people. Duncan embarked on his own post-18 education after deciding university wasn’t the right option for him. He set up his company. Network Young, with the aim to match professionals with young people and improve careers advice and opportunities. He has reached over 1,500 people since the development of Network Young in 2013. Duncan is also a member of Contact Young Company and has a passion for the arts and creative facilitation.
Nicola Colclough and Heidi Taylor-Wood – Both Nicola and Heidi are practising artists who are part of the Islington Mill Art Academy, a free peer-led art school. IMAA led the way for many subsequent alternative self-education projects in response to questions around the relevance and usefulness of mainstream arts education.