John Hurt CBE to be first Provost of Norwich University of the Arts

Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has today announced that internationally renowned actor John Hurt CBE has agreed to be the University College’s first Provost and will be formally installed this autumn.

Best known for acting roles in films which include Elephant Man, Midnight Express and more recently Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Harry Potter, John was an art student himself and still paints.

As Provost, John will act as the ceremonial figurehead and ambassador for the University College, which delivers arts, design and media degree courses from a campus in the heart of the city of Norwich. He will preside at official events, including the graduation ceremonies, and represent and promote the University College, particularly in the context of specialist arts, design and media education.

On accepting the post, John described his aspirations and ambitions for his future role; “I hope that, together with Professor John Last and his brilliant team I will be able to help make NUA an arts University second to none and the envy of the most illustrious institutions not just in this country but worldwide.

"This may sound a boastful ambition but I believe, from what I have already seen of the work and felt of the atmosphere, that it is eminently possible. What greater privilege and honour could I have been offered and I will do my best to help achieve this ambition."

NUA Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Last, said: “The appointment of our first Provost reflects the maturity of the institution, which was founded in 1845 and granted degree awarding powers in 2007. We are delighted that John has accepted the role where his achievements and standing in the world of the arts will be an inspiration for the next generation of creative practitioners. His own experience of studying art at Grimsby Art School and then St Martins, and his illustrious career in the world of film for more than 40 years, give John a unique perspective and understanding of the creative work at the heart of the University College.

“A formal inauguration will take place in the autumn and our new Provost will preside over the graduation ceremonies in 2013."