Shepperton Studios has launched a significant new initiative, the £250,000 Education Fund, aimed at supporting film and media education across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This fund, part of Shepperton’s ‘Virtual Academy,’ is designed to nurture the next generation of filmmakers by providing young people in Shepperton and the broader Spelthorne borough with the skills and training necessary for success in the creative industries.
At the Community Foundation for Surrey, we are proud to partner with Shepperton Studios to manage this fund, ensuring it reaches the communities where it can have the greatest impact.
Dr Rebecca Bowden, CEO of the Community Foundation for Surrey, says:
“Once again we are very pleased to support Shepperton Studios with a brand new Fund, enabling them to continue making an impact in schools and colleges in the Shepperton and wider Spelthorne area.”
The Shepperton Studios Education Fund is an accessible resource for the development of film, arts, and media skills among young people. The fund focuses on supporting initiatives that benefit the Shepperton area and the wider Spelthorne borough, with a strong emphasis on aiding under-represented and underprivileged groups who may face barriers to accessing such opportunities.
Daniel Mouawad, Chief Executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, highlighted the significance of this fund, stating:
“This initiative will offer children in Spelthorne an accessible opportunity to explore the film and television industry, helping them to develop their skills and interests in a field that might otherwise seem out of reach.”
The fund’s broad eligibility criteria allow for a wide range of projects to be supported, from technology and equipment upgrades in educational establishments to the development of creative curriculum programmes. The fund seeks to inspire creativity and foster skills development through practical, fun learning experiences at all educational levels.
For those interested in applying for a grant, the process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest, which opens on Tuesday, 27th August, and closes at 9 am on Monday, 14th October 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application, with a deadline of 9am on Monday, 9th November 2024. To support potential applicants, we will be hosting a Q&A session on Wednesday, 18th September at 4pm.
For further information on how to apply, please visit our website at www.cfsurrey.org.uk/makeanapplication, or contact us via email at grants@cfsurrey.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have on the future filmmakers and media professionals in our community.