The Arts faculty at The Brunts Academy, Mansfield, added its voice to the nationwide #LightItInRed protest on Monday in support of the country’s creative sector during the coronavirus crisis.

The academy, a member of The Evolve Trust, joined the call for the Government to support the arts, before it’s too late.

“As an academy trust, we value all our pupils’ gifts and talents and are passionate about promoting the arts now and in the future, so our pupils have an ambitious future,” the school said.

#LightItInRed is a UK-based direct action lighting protest that took place on Monday night to draw attention to the critical condition of the UK live event and entertainment industry – and its need for special Government support to see it through to restarting.

The creative sector, which includes live entertainment, music, events, theatre, performance, and the arts generates around £110 billion annually for the UK economy and is known for its invention, passion and flair. Unlike many other industries, there is no set date for live events, shows, festivals and performances to restart after the Covid-19 shut down.

Michael Lucas, principal of The Brunts Academy, said: “We work on a daily basis to create ambitious futures for the young people we serve, and the arts plays a crucial part in our curriculum and enrichment offer at the academy. Our motto is ‘Nil Mortalibus Ardui Est’ – which translated from Latin means nothing is impossible for humankind.

“We want our students in the arts to develop that attitude, we want them to work hard, learn, thrive, excel their talents and gifts and be proud of their contribution to this amazingly creative subject. Our academy and society need diversity, it needs imagination, flair and central to this is having a sector that allows this platform to flourish in a time of need.”

The #LightItInRed action was inspired by #NightofLight in Germany on 22nd June, which saw more than 9,000 buildings, monuments, structures, towers, landmarks, castles, offices, houses, spaces and places illuminated in
‘Emergency Red’ to raise awareness and grab the attention of the public and the government.

The Brunts Academy has a rich history within the arts and is proud to have students’ progress to some of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK and into successful careers within the industry.

It said: “Some of these students will be directly impacted by the situation, as venues remain shut, companies and suppliers are closed with employees furloughed or laid off – and tens of thousands of self-employed freelancers have not been eligible for any of the government Covid-19 related financial assistance schemes.

“This thriving, vibrant, innovative industry that brings so much enjoyment and so many incredible memories to so many and we feel we need to show our support and do our bit to help the industry to survive and re-energise.”

Alex Walker, audio visual and events technician for The Evolve Trust, said: “We have amazingly talented students at the academy and year after year students’ progress from our sixth-form to some fantastic drama schools and into successful careers in the industry.

“Our students are passionate about Performance and Production Arts and I hope that the industry bounces back, for the good of our students, past and present.”

Carl Atkin, director of school improvement for the trust, said: “As a trust we have a vision which is to open minds, creating opportunities for all to believe in themselves, achieve their potential and develop the skills needed to succeed and enjoy life.

“No matter what creative activity students follow, whether it’s producing fabulous art work; starring in our theatre productions; singing in the choir or playing in a rock band, the skills students develop include teamwork and collaborative work, prioritising and setting targets, independent learning, discipline and setting themselves goals.

“We recognise that the Arts are absolutely crucial to achieving this potential and that the skills developed through the Arts will be at the forefront of opportunities in the 21st Century. In an age of exam pressures and the dominance of technology, creativity, music and the arts are more important than ever in education and society as a whole.”