Derby-born actor and composer David Chabeaux has been appointed producer for the Derby City Cultural Campus project.
He will develop and deliver a new cultural education programme for children and young people in the city. The Cultural Campus was formed in 2015 with the aim of “making Derby a city where arts, culture and learning converge to inspire, engage and raise standards for learners both inside and outside the classroom”.
Chabeaux said, “my aim is always to use art to ignite a spark in people. We all have a unique and authentic voice in the world and I try to use mine to help others find and use theirs.
“I’m also passionate about my home city of Derby. We have so much talent and innovation to be proud of—particularly artistically—and it’s time we made the world sit up and take notice.
“Accepting the role as producer of Derby’s Cultural Campus is a real thrill because it gives me the opportunity to offer my skills and experience in the arts, in business and in education towards that cause.”
Derby Theatre, dance development organisation Déda, art and film centre QUAD and Leicester-based children and young people’s creative development agency The Mighty Creatives are all involved in the project.
Caroline Barth, head of learning at Derby Theatre, said, “this is a very exciting programme for the city and we’re delighted to have found someone like David with such a diverse range of skills to take it forward.”
QUAD’s education curator Sandra Greatorex added, “the Cultural Campus programme aims specifically to support the young people of Derby to develop and excel at vital skills that employers are increasingly asking for, such as communication, creativity, teamwork, time management, problem solving and a positive attitude to work.
“It also aims to raise their aspirations and places real-life experiences at the heart of their learning, enabling and inspiring them to secure the jobs they dream of.”