Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a performing arts higher education institution in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty and opened in 1996. LIPA offers 11 full-time BA (Hons) degrees in a range of fields across the performing arts, as well as three Foundation Certificate programmes of study in acting, music technology, and dance and popular music. LIPA offers full-time, one-year master's-level degree courses in acting (company) and costume making. It is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools.
LIPA's main entrance, on Mount Street | |
| Established | 7 June 1996 |
|---|---|
| Location | , England 53°23′58.4″N 2°58′20.3″W |
| Affiliations | |
| Website | www |
Building details | |
| General information | |
| Construction started | 1990 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | David Watkins – Brock Carmichael Architects |
The Education Guardian has previously ranked LIPA No. 1 in the UK for several of its degree courses, and it is regularly ranked as one of the top 10 specialist institutions. LIPA has been awarded gold by the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which rates higher education providers by teaching quality.
In September 2003, LIPA launched LIPA 4–19, a part-time performing arts academy for 4-to-19-year-olds. Since then, a satellite school and associate academies have also been launched. LIPA started its own primary free school in 2014 and its own sixth form free college in 2016.