“Throughout my career I’ve been engaged in one aspect or another of the creative process; I’ve also watched at first hand the transformative ability of good or even inspirational teaching. When the latter influences the former – sparks fly! Artis was conceived to make sparks fly in the right direction. That’s why I’m delighted to be involved.”

David Puttnam’s 30-year career as an independent film producer produced many of the great movies of his generation. His award-winning films include the Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots of Fire and The Mission. He retired from film production in 1998 to devote himself to education and environmental causes.  Lord Puttnam is currently the Chair of Atticus Education and the Education Advisory Board of Nord Anglia Education. He has been Chancellor of both the University of Sunderland and the Open University and created the National Teaching Awards. He has chaired Joint Parliamentary Committees on the 2003 Communications Bill and the 2008 Climate Change Bill, he was also the inaugural Chair of the General Teaching Council, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), and is Life President of the National Film and Television School.