Creative Teesside is a free annual event at Teesside University which celebrates the hard work, dedication and creativity of students from the School of Arts & Media.
Richard, who became Controller of BBC Four in December 2008, officially opened the week’s events.
Richard began his career as a reporter for a North London newspaper before moving to London Weekend Television (LWT) as a researcher. He progressed to director, where his work included LWT’s Weekend World and Eye Witness. He joined the BBC in 1996 as a Series Producer before moving into commissioning, becoming the Commissioning Editor for Documentaries in 2005, then Controller of BBC Four in 2008.
Richard is a friend of Teesside University and gave an inspirational talk to students about his broadcasting career in October last year.
Richard said: 'Teesside University is a fantastic place. I didn't realise there was such a range of arts and media disciplines here. There are some impressive and wonderful pieces on display. I can see the ambition of students who have recognised the relationship between what they do here and their future in the job market.'
Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the School of Arts & Media, said: 'We were delighted to be able to welcome Richard Klein back to the University to officially open Creative Teesside.'
Events include the prestigious Art & Design degree show with a mix of work from a range of specialist areas, the Cabaret of Spoken Word, showcasing some of the best live work produced on poetry and drama modules and the Performing Arts Show, with a range of energetic and innovative performances.
Professor Roper added: 'Creative Teesside is a fantastic opportunity for our students to really show what they can do. Every year I am impressed at the standard of the student work and this year is no exception.'
Events at Creative Teesside are free and open to the public – though booking is required for some events. For further information email arts@tees.ac.uk.