Menelik Academy of Performing Arts & Technology
In 2007, the Emperial Group of Companies, in collaboration with businessman Shawn Murphy, initiated a proposal to establish the Menelik Academy for Technology and the Performing Arts in Bermuda. This institution aimed to emulate the success of the BRIT School in Croydon, England—a renowned performing arts and technology academy that produced talents like Amy Winehouse and Katie Melua.
To explore this vision, the Emperial Group invited BRIT School principal Nick Williams and deputy principal Jacqui Pick to Bermuda. During their visit, Williams and Pick engaged with potential sponsors and government officials, including the Ministers of Community and Cultural Affairs and Education. They also conducted a presentation at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, detailing how the BRIT School successfully combined vocational training with academic curricula to achieve impressive exam results.
About Us
Our Vision
Inclusive Education
The Menelik Academy aimed to provide free, non-fee-paying education to students aged 11 to 18, ensuring access was based solely on talent and potential rather than prior academic achievement. Inspired by the success of the BRIT School in London, the academy envisioned fostering an environment where students could excel in their chosen artistic or technological fields while pursuing high academic standards.
Innovative Curriculum
Menelik’s curriculum was meticulously crafted to merge artistic disciplines, technology, and business applications. Students could explore diverse strands, including dance, drama, music, media production, technical theatre, and renewable technology. Programs integrated real-world projects and industry expertise, ensuring students graduated with practical skills, professional qualifications, and entrepreneurial insights.
Academic subjects such as English, math, science, and sociology were tailored to complement vocational training, while physical education and foreign languages provided a well-rounded foundation. The academy’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its plans for green architecture, incorporating renewable energy technologies and environmental education into the curriculum.
Curriculum Highlights
Performing Arts
Dance, drama, and music programs
Technology
Media production and renewable technology
Academics
Tailored English, math, science, and sociology courses
Campus Location

Historic Victualling Yard, Dockyard
Blend of heritage architecture and modern facilities

Community Hub
Recreational spaces, performance areas, and collaboration with local enterprises

Tourist Attraction
Accessible location for showcasing student talents to global audiences
Our Mission

1

Nurture Creativity

2

Inspire Excellence

3

Foster Innovation

4

Empower Communities
The proposed location for Menelik Academy was the historic Victualling Yard in Dockyard, Bermuda. This site’s heritage architecture and strategic location made it ideal for blending education, community engagement, and tourism. The enclosed courtyard would serve as a recreational and performance space, while renovated buildings would house state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, and media suites.
Beyond traditional schooling, the academy planned to serve as a hub for the community, offering part-time programs for all ages and collaborating with local arts and crafts enterprises. The site’s accessibility by land and sea, coupled with its proximity to tourist attractions, created unique opportunities for students to showcase their talents to global audiences.
Inspiration: The BRIT School

1

2007: Proposal Initiation
Emperial Group and Shawn Murphy propose Menelik Academy, inspired by the BRIT School's success.

2

BRIT School Visit
Principal Nick Williams and deputy Jacqui Pick visit Bermuda to share insights and engage with officials.

3

Government Support
Community Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief expresses strong support for the initiative.
Impact on Bermuda
1
Educational Innovation
Filling gaps in Bermuda's education system with vocational and creative learning.
2
Economic Growth
Preparing graduates for success in local and global creative industries.
3
Cultural Enrichment
Fostering a new generation of artists and innovators to enhance Bermuda's cultural landscape.
Though ambitious, the Menelik Academy represented a bold step toward reimagining education in Bermuda. With its focus on inclusivity, creativity, and real-world applications, the academy embodied the values of unity, respect, and opportunity. It offered hope for a brighter future where education empowered every student to reach their fullest potential.