Art goes digital for young people in Devon

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Thursday, July 14, 2016 - 4:10pm

Young people in Devon will be working with professional artists to explore new innovations in digital media.

Daisi is celebrating its success in receiving an Arts Council England Grants for the Arts award for the project, Art Machina. With the £47,582  award, the research and development project will develop digital arts practice using innovative digital media.

Art Machina involves a group of professional Devon and Torbay artists, young people, youth leaders and teachers. Partners include i-DAT, Spacex, Exeter Phoenix and Coombeshead Academy. The project will enable young people across Devon and Torbay to lead their own projects to create visual art using contemporary digital techniques.

Artists and young people taking part will use apps, smartphone technology, coding and other digital techniques alongside traditional media such as painting and sculpture. They will create digital art including sculptures, gif animations, digital paintings, films and installations.

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “Digital technology is transforming the way we make, distribute, receive and exchange art and we are committed to supporting digital change and innovation across the arts and culture sector. We’re really pleased to be supporting this project that will enable self-expression and creativity in young people and help develop the next generation of creative talent across the area.”

Daisi Director Liz Hill said: "Through this project, young people will have the opportunity to work alongside professional artists to explore the latest digital technologies. They will learn new skills, gain confidence and make connections with some of the region’s top arts and digital organisations.

“There will also be professional development opportunities for artists and educators. As part of the project, we’ll be developing an online toolkit so that other artists, educators and young people can benefit.”

Sam Eyre, Lead Practitioner Art & Design and Digital Media at Coombeshead Academy said: “Art Machina will provide an incredible range of opportunities for the students and staff of Coombeshead Academy in developing new and exciting skills in using new technologies to explore visual and digital art making. We are incredibly excited to be involved in this project and to collaborate with new artists, educators and young people from across the region.”

The project will culminate in a high-profile festival in Spring 2018, to share and celebrate young people’s visual digital art.

Share this