Jamie Berry @ Avant Cymru wins Wales Creative Tutor of the Year 2020

Supported by Welsh Government, the Wales Creative & Cultural Skills Awards celebrates the exceptional work being carried out to develop learning and skills in the creative and cultural sector, ensuring the next generation have the skills they need so that the sector continues to thrive.

67 applications were received for the first year of this new series of awards, and the judges narrowed down the eligible applications to create the final shortlist. Winners of each category were announced on 29th January 2020 at the first Wales Creative & Cultural Skills Awards.

Sarah Hughes, Head of Partnerships, Wales and Nations Lead for Creative & Cultural Skills said, “I am delighted that so many applications were received for the first year of these Awards, and so many of them highlighted the excellent work in Wales ensuring that young people have the skills, confidence and knowledge to help them start working in the sector.”

Also announced on the evening was Creative Wales,  who have the "mission to drive growth across the creative industries, build on existing success and develop new talent and skills –positioning Wales as one of the best places for creative businesses to thrive." https://www.wales.com/creative-wales 

Jamie is working with Avant to deliver Breakin' for better mental health and well-being. Recognising that breakin' was an important tool for himself as a young person, he has trained in first aid for mental health and offers peer support to students in class, promoting conversation around better mental health. He has developed a sister crew to Grounded UK named Grounded Wales to guide able and gifted young people into new experiences including linking the young people with international partners. 

Jamie and Avant work in RCT, we are supported by RCT Theatres as an associate company, by Nantgwyn, YEPS team and the Cymmer Club where we host regular sessions. This year he will be working with Comic Relief to run a summer experience for young people, email hello@avant.cymru for more information to get involved.