Celia Greenwood trained as a Drama specialist at the Central School of Speech and Drama before becoming the Advisory Board Co-Chair of All City Arts College. Also the co-founder and former CEO of Wac Arts and Wac Arts College, Celia has worked creatively with young people for more than 40 years.
Sir Nick Williams is the Advisory Board Co-Chair for All City Arts College and has pioneered vocational education for careers across the performing arts since his eleven years as principal of the BRIT school (from 2001 – 2012). Under his stewardship, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Bashy, Imogen Heap, Jamie Woon, Jessie J, Katy B and Leona Lewis all came through the BRIT school’s halls and into their artistic success.
Camille Curtis Y Van Dyke is the newly appointed CEO of the Urban Partnership group and has worked in youth services, education and the creative arts for over 20 years. Camille was the Local Cultural Education Partnership Manager for Brent LA and former head of post-16 at Wac Arts College.
She has been a designated safeguarding lead and has an impressive pan London network within local authorities, youth services and third sector organisations with a focus on young people and the Arts.
Idris Balogun is a Nigerian fashion designer and alumni of Wac Arts College.
“During my teenage years, Wac Arts College was a place where I could go to learn new things, explore new topics and skills and nurture my artistic licence. [My education] gave me the ability to be comfortable in my own skin and life experiences, so I took a chance to audition For The Drama Centre London (Central Saint Martins) where I obtained a BA in Acting. Since graduating, I’ve helped open a production company called Making Number, manage one of the biggest artists in the world, and assist different organisations with kids from deprived backgrounds.” – Idris Balogun
Joely Harris-Tharp graduated from Wac Arts College with a distinction in multimedia studies, producing a video about her experience as a disaffected and adopted child. She was noticed by Khulisa (a social and emotional wellbeing charity that provides therapeutic group programmes for young people working with Wac Arts College) and asked to join the organisation as a peer mentor.
Soon after, Joely became a youth advisor, acting as liaison between workshop leaders and their youth clientele from different schools all over London. This three-year stint culminated in her being the voiceover for Khulisa’s five-year national strategy plan. Currently, she is providing emotional and life-skills support for vulnerable 13 to 18-year-olds in a residential setting.
Michael Antwi graduated from Wac Arts College with a Distinction in his Performing Arts Diploma, developing his skills in acting, movement, and storytelling. During his time at the college, he thrived in ensemble work and honed his ability to connect with audiences through powerful performances.
Following his studies, Michael completed a supported internship, gaining hands-on experience in the creative sector while building confidence in professional environments. His dedication and passion for inclusive arts led him to Haringey Shed, a company known for its commitment to accessible theatre. Here, he plays a key role in supporting young performers, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated on stage.
Michael also works at Hampstead Theatre, contributing to productions that inspire and engage audiences. His journey from student to arts professional highlights his determination and belief in the power of creativity to transform lives. Through his work, he continues to support young people in finding their artistic voices, just as he did during his own training.
John Bolt was Chair of Wac Arts College from its opening in 2014 until 2020 and has been a governor of West Thames FE College since 2008, including two terms as Chair.
During his career in education, John was a deputy headship in a London secondary school and ran school improvement in a London local authority. After retirement, John became secretary of the Labour Party’s education-affiliated organisation.
Richard Davis is a qualified chartered accountant and has over 20 years experience working as finance director across an array of businesses and industries. His company, Birchland Advisors, focuses on supporting SMEs by offering managed finance teams.
Richard has previously been treasurer for Langdon, a charity specialising in supporting adults and young people with learning difficulties to live independent lives via education, employment and social activities.
Kianja Harvey-Elliot – “During my time at Wac Arts College, I was given the space to grow as a musician in a supportive environment where the staff genuinely cared about my development and personal goals. There was a real sense of individual care, and I always felt seen. Having access to studio equipment and music resources allowed me to deepen my songwriting and explore production in a meaningful way.”
She went on to study at The Brit School and then went to Guildhall and studied Jazz vocals.
Since then, she has built a career as an independent artist, releasing original music, touring, and performing as a backing vocalist and session musician. She has played at premium venues, contributed to vocal and sync work, and continues to grow as a creative professional.
She’s proud to be part of the All City Arts College advisory board to support the next generation of artists.
Jolie Fortuna – Going by the alias Jolie P, Jolie is a DJ, MC, Vocalist and Founder and Director of SLMPIRE (Sexy Lady Massive), an events company and music collective championing women in dance music through putting on ladies-only events and live performances at venues and festivals such as the Tate Modern, Notting Hill Carnival, Glastonbury and Boomtown.
As a former Wac Arts College student, Jolie is fully in tune with how a creative pathway and the right support can be monumental in young people’s emotional development and wider progression in the outside world.
Sofia Millbank is a creative producer, artist manager, booking agent and co-founder of fast-rising electronic dance collective and events venture, Sexy Lady Massive. A graduate of Wac Arts College, where she studied Creative Media Production from the ages of 13 to 18, Sofia began her journey there as a disenfranchised young person pushed out of mainstream education due to physical health challenges.
It was at Wac that she met her future business partner, Jolie Fortuna. Together, they went on to launch SLM, a platform dedicated to championing women in dance music and challenging the scene’s gender imbalance. Since graduating, Sofia has built a career in artist management, live event production and communications, working with Glastonbury Festival, BST Hyde Park, Roundhouse, Greenpeace, Sony Music and more.
She now represents a roster of notable UK dance artists and brings to the Advisory Board a lived understanding of how vital inclusive, alternative education is, especially for young people who don’t fit the mould and risk being failed by the system.
