Central School of Ballet Download Case Study

Based in central London, the Central School of Ballet is one of Europe’s most prestigious dance training establishments.


What was the problem?

Despite its worldwide reputation as an artistic centre of excellence, the Central School of Ballet’s IT provision for its students and staff had grown in a piecemeal fashion since the early 1990s. It was becoming apparent that the network needed IT expertise to run efficiently and to enhance the work of the School and its Touring Company. The School faced a dilemma that affects many arts organisations: realising its dependency on comprehensive IT applications, but lacking the skills base to make IT an effective tool for the organisation. Every time the system malfunctioned, valuable staff time was being lost and increasingly it was recognised that the School’s dependency on IT could not be ignored. Central looked to Connect to see if they could resolve their dilemma in the most cost-effective way.


How did Connect help?

After a detailed review of all the options open to a charity operating on a limited budget, Connect recommended Technology Renew. For Central, this was a big commitment and represented a significant mind shift in the organisation. Technology Renew meant replacing all the IT equipment that was more than a year old with new PCs, server and software, together with the backup of full IT support at the end of a phone line – effectively, Central had outsourced its IT department. To fund the changes, Central pays a fixed monthly fee over a three-year period, allowing them to accurately budget and manage their costs. Additionally, Connect was able to recondition the existing equipment to upgrade the students’ IT and provide study and research resources for their BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance.


“We were struggling with IT, rather than benefiting from it. Like many arts organisations, IT was not adequately recognised as being integral to our artistic endeavours. Connect offered us a unique service that was the answer we didn’t imagine was available. We now have a system and a partnership with Connect that actively benefits the excellent work of the School. Connect works so closely with us that we consider them as our own IT department, giving us the advice and expertise base we require to fully maximise our artistic achievements”.
Tamsin McDowell, Head of Administration, Central School of Ballet

The Projector Group Logo Click here
for case study

The Projector Group (“Projector”) is a privately held consortium with offices...

Connect People

Sam - Vinopolist

Sam - Vinopolist

 
I’ve been interested in wine since living in Bordeaux after University. I admire the French for their appreciation of fine wines. It's not simply something to drink but part of their culture. I've even imported 50 wine cases to sell locally.