Today, multi-award-winning independent U.K. animation studio Aardman and BAFTA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, have announced a yearlong partnership with the charity’s youth strand Young BAFTA.
As Aardman approaches its 50th anniversary, the joint initiative will see the studio become an official partner of the Young BAFTA program to support the next generation of creative talent through a roster of year-round learning programs. The partnership will provide valuable opportunities for young talent, including direct engagement with Aardman’s creative team, and provide a platform for young people to explore creative careers, ensuring that the next generation of animators are equipped with the skills, inspiration and confidence to succeed.
The renowned British animation studio also continues to support the next generation of animation talent through the Aardman Academy and its unique workshops program and outreach initiatives, which aligns with Young BAFTA’s commitment to nurture young people’s creativity, and mission to promote socio-economic diversity in the screen arts sector.
“Aardman has always been passionate about nurturing creativity, a commitment rooted in our origins as a studio founded by two recent graduates, Peter Lord and David Sproxton,” said Aardman Executive Commercial & Brand Director, and BAFTA member, Emma Hardie. “As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are very proud to partner with Young BAFTA and provide young people with exciting and meaningful opportunities to engage with our creative team and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the animation industry.”
Lisa Prime, Head of Children and Young People’s Program at BAFTA, commented, “At Young BAFTA, we are committed to empowering the next generation to explore careers within the screen industries, so we are thrilled to partner with the award-winning animation studio, Aardman. This collaboration will offer incredible opportunities for aspiring animators, and with our missions so closely aligned, help us develop the creative talent of the future.”
Central to BAFTA’s mission, the initiative nurtures young people’s creativity by offering opportunities like Young Game Designers — celebrating its 15th anniversary this year — and Young Presenters, as well as national roadshows in collaboration with children’s mental health charity Place2Be, mentorship and showcases. Through these initiatives, Young BAFTA reaches thousands of young people across the U.K., helping them build confidence, develop transferable skills, and access networks and opportunities in the screen industries.
Aardman is committed to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society and publishes its
progress towards this goal twice a year. The studio’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter can be found here.
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