New Creative Entrepreneurs at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Drum Works at Milton Court

Creative artists do not always mix well in business, but there is no reason why they should not and in fact there are many skills which the two have in common. The Guildhall School of Music and Drama seeks to remedy this with its Creative Entrepreneurs scheme. The scheme was devised by Professor Helena Gaunt, Vice Principal (Research and Academic Development) of the Guildhall School, in partnership with social enterprise Cause4. The alumni who are successful in joining the scheme take part in an intensive 12-month programme of training and individual support led by Cause4 and delivered in partnership with the Guildhall School.

The Guildhall School has recently announced its third co-hort of Creative Entrepreneurs. The seven people (chosen from alumni and staff) will be supported to set up their own businesses/social enterprises and develop their entrepreneurship skills through its Creative Entrepreneurs scheme.

The scheme has now incubated over 18 new businesses including Song in the City, a charity that programmes classical concerts around inventive and challenging themes; Drum Works, a music education programme that confronts disengagement within schools, and is currently reaching over 400 young people every week; and Bach to Baby, an innovative and award-winning concert series for babies, tots and their parents to enjoy together.

Applications were open to recent alumni and staff of the Guildhall School and were assessed on the basis of the strength of the business concept, its readiness for development, the artistic quality of the venture and the anticipated contribution to the Guildhall School and its community. The seven Creative Entrepreneurs chosen are Anna Pool – to develop workshOPERA, Fernando Machado – to develop Lambrego, Jekaterina Sarigina – to develop The NOW! Girls, Vincent Bruggeman – to develop Lyribox, Ruth Mariner – to develop Gestalt Arts, Theresa Goble – to develop Vox Integra, Andrea Berbegal – to develop Unison Music Management