BAFTA will double its charitable work to support emerging #talent

BAFTA REVEALS AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR ITS ICONIC HOME – The renovated 195 Piccadilly will open in summer 2021

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced details of ambitious plans to transform its iconic headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. Work on the project has already begun, with a projected completion date of summer 2021.

The new space will allow BAFTA to double its year-round charitable work to find and support new talent across film, games and television, offer essential support to the industry and ensure that careers in film, games and television are open to all. 

The redevelopment, designed by Benedetti Architects, will double the building’s capacity, install state-of-the-art technology and create an entire floor devoted to BAFTA’s learning and new talent programmes. 

The increased space will enable BAFTA to support over 80,000 people to develop a career in the creative industries each year.

It will also generate additional income which will be used to expand BAFTA’s learning programmes throughout the UK and globally.  

Donors from across the film, games and television industries, together with individual philanthropists and trusts and foundations, are supporting the new development. It has also received a grant from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund. 

Over 70% of the funds have already been raised, and BAFTA is actively fundraising to meet its target of £25 million. 

Letitia Wright, 2015 BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and EE Rising Star in 2019 said:

“The work that BAFTA does to support new talent is invaluable. I learnt so much from being a Breakthrough Brit and it has given me an incredible opportunity to build my career. I’ve been able to gain more knowledge about the industry that has helped me to progress.”

Barbara Broccoli, Producer and Vice President of Film at BAFTA, who has supported the project, said: “I am passionate about BAFTA’s role in educating, inspiring and celebrating future generations of film-makers. The redevelopment will enable BAFTA to expand this important work.”

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said:

“This is a vital investment in the creative future of film, games and television. We believe that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. A redeveloped 195 Piccadilly will enable us to deliver a greater variety of new talent initiatives, learning events and activity and increase access to our industries.”

BAFTA Piccadilly, next door at 194 Piccadilly, will be BAFTA’s temporary home while the works are being completed. For the first time BAFTA’s home will be open to the public, providing an exhibition space to discover more about the craft of BAFTA winners and nominees as well as a café, with an additional space for BAFTA members. Further details on the public opening of BAFTA Piccadilly will be available later this year and at  . 

BAFTA’s learning and new talent development programmes

BAFTA Breakthrough Brits – Each year up to 20 talented newcomers to film, games and television are selected by a stellar industry panel to take part in a year-long mentoring programme. Breakthrough is now a global initiative; BAFTA launched Breakthrough China at the Shanghai International Film Festival on 21 June.

Young Games Designers – an annual competition to encourage 10–18 year olds to understand the art and craft of games creation and to consider gaming as a career.

Elevate – an annual programme to elevate under-represented groups to the next stage of their career, with past programmes focusing on women and BAME groups.

Scholarships – support talented individuals who otherwise would not have the financial means to study with annual post-graduate course fees and mentoring support from a BAFTA member, nominee or winner.

Guru and Guru Live – an online platform and events programme for budding talent in film, games and television to get advice, inspiration and guidance from experts in the industries. 

Crew – a skills development programme for those with demonstrable experience in the industry in the UK. 

BAFTA Kids – aimed at 7–12 year olds, focusing on some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration.

195 Piccadilly, owned by the Crown Estates, is a Grade II listed building that has been BAFTA’s headquarters since 1974. It was originally built in 1883 as a gallery space for the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, a medium then overlooked by the neighbouring Royal Academy of Arts. The redevelopment work will be designed by internationally renowned Benedetti Architects, founded by Renato Benedetti in 2016 following 20 years of award-winning success as McDowell+Benedetti Architects.  benedettiarchitects.com.