Digbeth's BIMM University announces £2.1 million boost for performing arts facilities

BIMM University have announced a £2.1m investment into their Digbeth campus -Credit:DAVID RATTENBURYYY/BIMM
BIMM University have announced a £2.1m investment into their Digbeth campus -Credit:DAVID RATTENBURYYY/BIMM


BIMM University has announced a £2.1m investment into its Digbeth campus. The creative arts institute, which offers courses in performing arts and film making, will expand its Performers' College and Screen and Film School.

The investment is hoped to boost opportunities for students, amid Birmingham City Council's budget cuts to arts and culture organisations over the next two years. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt previously announced £10m of funding for culture projects in the West Midlands.

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Investments funds hope to boost the following:

Performers College expansions:

● Introduction of a high-spec studio theatre equipped with industry-standard sound and lighting equipment. Other features include retractable seating and a harlequin floor with an audience capacity of 120

● Expanded dance facilities featuring four spacious harlequin floor-equipped studios, each spanning 130m2. Offering a diverse range of dance classes to enhance technical and artistic development

BIMM University have announced a £2.1m investment into their Digbeth campus -Credit:DAVID RATTENBURYYY/BIMM
BIMM University have announced a £2.1m investment into their Digbeth campus -Credit:DAVID RATTENBURYYY/BIMM

Screen and Film School expansions:

● A second film studio with an infinity cove and moving light fixtures, providing students with a realistic working environment to refine their filmmaking skills

● Installation of three new edit suites bringing the total to six, furnished with industry-standard software including Adobe Premier Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio, Avid and ProTools. Hoped to offer students hands-on film editing

● Access to a screening room with 4K projection and Dolby Atmos, as well as multiple meeting spaces and student lounges

This is one of many investments into Digbeth's status as a creativity hub, which includes the construction of the Tea Factory, former Typhoo Tea Factory, as BBC's new production home in Brum. Set to be completed in 2027, new shows filming in Birmingham include SAS: Catching the Criminals, Garden Rescue, MasterChef and Silent Witness.

The Digbeth Lock film studio was also unveiled by Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight as a 'game changer' for the city. The Peaky Blinders movie would be one of the projects filmed at the new studio.

James Maiden, campus dean at BIMM University, said: "This investment really harnesses the true potential of our Performers' College and Screen and Film Schools, arriving in time to launch our first graduating year into their careers.

"It also marks the birth of BIMM University's Birmingham campus, a unique education space, where these schools and our established BIMM Music Institute are all thriving together in the Creative Quarter of Birmingham. Here students collaborate and inspire, providing an experience which ensures future generations of talent are able to grow in the second city.

"Music, film, theatre and dance, the future of creativity is happening right here in Birmingham."

Follow our coverage of Digbeth's investments here

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