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Three people are standing side by side in front of a patterned backdrop. The two on the left and right are dressed in ceremonial academic gowns and hats, while the person in the center is wearing a different academic robe and a wide-brimmed hat. They are all smiling.
A person with gray hair and a beard is smiling and wearing an academic gown and hat with gold trim. The background features a colourful pattern with pink, purple, and green geometric shapes.

Simon Devereux, founder of ACCESS: VFX, awarded Honorary Professorship

Simon Devereux, the founder of the diversity and inclusion movement ACCESS:VFX, has been awarded an Honorary Professorship by Norwich University of the Arts in recognition of his contributions to animation and visual effects education.

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With over 18 years of experience in the creative industry, Devereux has worked in talent development across visual effects, games, television, and commercial radio. Notably, he led the Talent Development Team at Framestore, a leading VFX company.

A person with gray hair and a beard is smiling and wearing an academic gown and hat with gold trim. The background features a colorful pattern with pink, purple, and green geometric shapes.

Devereux established ACCESS:VFX to promote inclusion, diversity, awareness, and opportunity within the VFX, Animation, and Games industries. This global movement has united over 100 passionate individuals to address the lack of diversity in the VFX industry. Together, they have organised more than 50 events, reaching thousands of potential future professionals from primary school age and above across the UK, US, and Canada, collaborating with organisations such as We Are Stripes, Into Film, and This Ability.

Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, praised Devereux’s achievements, stating, “Simon Devereux’s visionary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion has profoundly impacted the animation and visual effects industries. His unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a more inclusive environment continues to inspire our community, shape the future of these industries and provide the next generation with the necessary tools and skills for their creative careers, whether nearby or across the world.”

Expressing his gratitude, Devereux remarked, “I am truly flattered and humbled to be named an Honorary Professor at Norwich University of the Arts. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the collective efforts of our global ACCESS:VFX community over the last 8 years. As the Founder and Director of ACCESS:VFX, I am beyond thrilled to see our mission recognised in this way, and this generous award will further motivate me to continue the vital work of inspiring and encouraging the next generation of creatives to build a more inclusive and innovative visual effects, animation and games industry.”

Norwich University of the Arts awarded four honorary professorships during this year’s summer graduations, where nearly 900 undergraduate and postgraduate students received their honours.

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