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.
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.