Nottingham Trent University’s new Confetti London campus project has taken another step forward by appointing its first director.
Darius Khwaja will lead the innovative expansion plan, which was first announced in September.
The campus is an extension of Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, which is part of the university in Nottingham city centre.
The new Confetti London building will be in Whitechapel, often seen as the capital’s centre for creative industries.
Mr Khawaja has been appointed to the role of London campus director after spending three years leading Wac Arts London, a charity providing inclusive performing arts and media programmes for young people.
Work on the 35,000sq ft campus is already under way, with the first intake of students scheduled for September 2023.
It will be aimed at people looking to build careers in the entertainment industries and will offer hands-on courses in performance, production and business for the music industries, event management, and emerging technologies such as esports, virtual production, and content creation.
Confetti founder and Chief Executive, Craig Chettle MBE said: “Following a competitive recruitment process, I am delighted to welcome Darius to the Confetti Media Group, and our NTU family.
“Darius impressed us all with his relevant experience in the music and wider creative industries, and also his passion and commitment to equal opportunity for all. We look forward to working with him and developing the synergies between our London and Nottingham campuses.”
Mr Khwaja said: “Confetti’s vision for high-quality, entertainment-industry education completely aligns with my own.
“I have dedicated my career to advancing the best music and creative education for everyone and like Confetti, believe the best educational opportunities must be open to people from all backgrounds.
“The Confetti model is an inspiration. It is forward-looking, employment-focused, and offers students jaw-droppingly brilliant facilities. I am thrilled to join Confetti and look forward to building a new team in London to make its expansion into the capital a huge success.”
Mr Khwaja has spent more than 25 years in arts and music organisations. Besides leadership roles in education, his industry accomplishments include nurturing award-winning artists such as the 2019 Brit Award winner Tom Walker.
His other previous roles include sixteen years as Principal and CEO of London College of Creative Media (LCCM), a specialist higher education college for music, writing and entrepreneurship, which he co-founded in 2003.
Once the new campus opens, students looking to forge a future in the entertainment industries will be able to study hands-on courses open to both UK and international students, with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications available.
Set up in 1994 to deliver industry education, Confetti went on to create a collection of commercial businesses supporting students’ learning.
These include Metronome, a music and events venue, and Confetti X, on Nile Street, a complex dedicated to esports production.
NTU says the new London campus will replicate that model, creating a multipurpose live events venue for students to learn and work in.
Professor Edward Peck CBE, NTU Vice-Chancellor said: “Progress on our Confetti London campus is well underway, and the appointment of Darius is a key milestone.
“His experience and commitment will enable us to bring NTU’s innovative approach to teaching and partnerships to London and the South East, in time for us welcoming our first students in September 2023.”
