Well, it’s official, now we’ve had the big party, our new Dv8 Brighton centre has truly arrived!

Last week guests arrived in their droves and explored our new home in the
centre of Brighton, which was looking great with quirky wall art and a photo
exhibition made by current learners.

But it hasn’t always looked this way…

12 Queen Square had been underused for a while and was in great need
of renovation. Dv8 saw the potential of such a central and character-filled
building and applied for a Change of Use so that the offices could be
transformed into modern training spaces. The application was accepted
first time.

Our builders and decorators moved in on 26th October, and in just 2 months
transformed the 3 storey premises. Dv8 Brighton opened its doors ready
for our learners on 7th January 2013, and then last Thursday, 7th march,
saw its official launch party.

Good times

The building was absolutely packed throughout and there was a real buzz
about the place. Guests came from across the creative industries, the local
business sector, community groups, youth organisations, schools and
colleges, as well as prospective volunteers and senior Council officials. As
people walked through the door their first word was almost always ‘Wow!’

Visitors were greeted with a live acoustic set from talented Dv8 Bexhill
learner Marie White, who as well as attending a course with us is also
receiving extra support through our music mentoring scheme and we have
high hopes she’ll go far!

Guests took part in interactive workshops held by learners from our
Fashion, Media, Music and Events courses. They even got the chance
to star in their own green-screen photoshoot, masterminded and run by
Leigh-Ann Kraft, Dv8’s own Creative & Digital Media Apprentice.

We would like to thank the City College Painting & Decorating learners
who supported the renovation as part of their own training, and completed
the job to very high standards. We would also like to thank American
Express and RNIB for donating furniture.

The tone has now been set for a very exciting future at Dv8 Brighton. Our
move has had full support from the local authority and our wide links with
businesses and employers.

To see more pictures from the launch, check out our pinterest here.