Burberry is pleased to announce it is expanding its creative arts scholarships programme globally to support the next generation of creative leaders from underrepresented communities. The scholarships will provide more equal access to creative arts programmes at some of the world’s most esteemed creative institutions, including The New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York City, Institut Français de la Mode in Paris and Central Saint Martins in London.
At Parsons, the scholarships will support graduate students enrolled in its acclaimed Architectural Design, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing and Communication, and Strategic Design and Management programmes. At Central Saint Martins, the funding will support undergraduates pursuing Fashion Design, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, Fashion Communication and Graphic Communication. At Institut Français de la Mode, scholarships will provide opportunities for undergraduates to pursue degrees in Fashion Design.
The expansion of the creative arts scholarships, together with Burberry and the Burberry Foundation’s existing commitment to its scholarship programme at the Royal College of Art in London, will enable over 50 students to benefit from education programmes in the arts over the next five years and beyond.
Erica Bourne, Chief People Officer, Burberry said: “In order to truly diversify the talent we bring into this industry, we have to meaningfully commit to diversifying our talent pipeline. This starts before the workplace, in education. We are delighted to be working with such an impressive array of creative institutions, all of which are equally dedicated to ensuring better representation within their programmes. It is an honour that we, as a company, can support the recognition and celebration of diverse creatives as a part of their journey. I look forward to seeing how these promising, talented individuals develop into the next generation of creative leaders, bringing their uniqueness to the industry.”
Rachel Schreiber, Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design, said: “We simply cannot achieve our mission if we are not educating a student body that reflects the society in which we live, work, and create. A diverse student body brings unique and robust experiences, perspectives, and skills to our educational community, laying the foundation for new and exciting approaches to collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Parsons is deeply grateful to Burberry for establishing the Burberry Creative Arts Scholarship, a generous and transformational gift that will support, sustain and engage diverse designers, artists, and strategists throughout their time at Parsons.”
Jeremy Till, Head of Central Saint Martins and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of the Arts, said: “This is an important and generous initiative from Burberry, in that it will support students who might otherwise not flourish because
of financial hardship. The scholarships are part of Burberry and Central Saint Martins’ shared commitment to keeping London as a hub of creativity.”
Xavier Romatet, Dean of Institut Français de la Mode, said: “We are very grateful to Burberry for supporting young designers through these Creative Arts Scholarships. They open up amazing opportunities for creative talent from very diverse backgrounds, who bring a different perspective and approach to fashion design that has a hugely positive impact on other students, and on the school as a whole.”
Increasing the scope of Burberry’s creative arts scholarships is part of its holistic commitment to diversity, inclusion and representation at all levels, including the talent pipeline. Earlier this year, Burberry Inspire, the first in-school arts and culture project of its kind run by the Burberry Foundation, expanded internationally to New York City. To date, more than 5,500 young people have benefitted from the programme across the US and UK, ranging from dance and theatre to filmmaking and sculpture.
Parsons School of Design is one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the world. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their respective fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.newschool.edu/parsons.
Founded in 1919, The New School was established to advance academic freedom, tolerance, and experimentation. A century later, The New School remains at the forefront of innovation in higher education, inspiring more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students to challenge the status quo in design and the social sciences, liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. The university welcomes thousands of adult learners annually for continuing education courses and public programs that encourage open discourse and social engagement. Through our online learning portals, research institutes, and international partnerships, The New School maintains a global presence.
Across art, design and performance the students and staff of Central Saint Martins create ideas, materials and actions for a better future. Among our alumni shaping the world through creative action are Grace Wales Bonner, Matty Bovan, Michael Fassbender, Isamaya Ffrench, Antony Gormley, Craig Green, Quentin Jones, Isaac Julien, Jean Julien, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Morag Myerscough, Sandy Powell, Laure Prouvost, Simone Rocha, Yinka Shonibare and Riccardo Tisci.
Institut Français de la Mode brings together Ecole de la chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne, founded in 1927 and recognized for the excellence of its training in couture savoir-faire, and IFM, founded in 1986 and a pioneer in fashion management education. Institut Français de la Mode is a higher education institution, a training center for apprentices, a provider of executive education, as well as a center of expertise for the textiles, fashion and luxury industries. It provides educational programs from vocational training to doctoral level, by cross-fertilizing design, management and craftsmanship.
The Institut Français de la Mode Foundation supports the development of research and educational innovation and helps the school implement its equal opportunities policy through the financing of scholarships for students. Burberry is a member of the Institut Français de la Mode Foundation, along with 18 other French and international fashion and luxury companies.
