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The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Website: www.lipa.ac.uk
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts was set up twelve years ago to combine performance, technical innovation, understanding and business awareness for youngsters intent on sustained careers in the arts and entertainment economy. The LIPA cost some £20m to create. Spearheading its creation were Sir Paul McCartney (Lead Patron) and Mark Featherstone-Witty (Founding Principal/CEO). The curriculum is holistic. Whatever each student chose as their specialism, the extension of this skill is supplemented by allied performing arts skills, as well as business skills and intellectual development. A third of the student body are international.
Head of institution: Mr Mark Featherstone-Witty
After mini-careers in acting, teaching, journalism and publishing, Mark decided to be an entrepreneur and started five businesses, either alone or with friends, one of which provided a six part TV series for Channel Four. He then saw 'Fame' and decided this was going to be the next business. With the help of Richard Branson (as Project Champion) and The British Record Industry Trust, he created The BRIT School in London. With the help of Paul McCartney (as Project Champion and the largest private donor), he created LIPA.