Newsroom

31 May 2024

Blackpool libraries to showcase creative technology careers to young people

Blackpool Libraries are working with The Reading Agency, StoryFutures and other partners to provide access for young adults (13 to 17) to technology and to mentors in this field, providing aspirational opportunities and working with creatives to create content and tell stories through virtual reality (VR).

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Blackpool Council’s library service is embarking on a new programme, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, to deliver a variety of experiences which showcase the range of creative careers available within technology, encouraging young adults in Blackpool to aspire to work in creative and technological fields.

The Explore Tech, Expand Worlds programme will also create connections between Blackpool and technology companies, which will be advantageous to any young adults in the town interested in a career in the field of technology.

The public workshops will launch in October, with immersive storytellers MBD Limited inviting young people of Blackpool to try their hand at making their own game worlds to explore. Learn the basic skills in 3D design, world building, game development, visual storytelling and more, in this workshop using the Unreal game engine.

The team are also planning on one of the workshops to have a dedicated ‘women in tech’ theme.

All the workshops will be free of charge for 13 to 17 year olds who live in Blackpool, and will contain an element of storytelling, linking the project back to communication and literacy.

Cllr Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – People, said:  

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 “To secure funding for such a unique and valuable programme of workshops which are both literacy and career led is brilliant news for our young people. Local teenagers will get a fantastic, hands-on opportunity to build skills and creative learning whilst gaining insight into an ever-growing industry. As well as delivering core services, Blackpool’s Libraries forward-thinking team continues to grow an ambitious programme for our residents, filled with commitment, creativity and value.” 
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The library team will also be connecting with year 9 students via a local school, who will deliver workshops with an artist, and an author to create a story-led VR experience.

The aim is to create a diverse VR library of the student’s stories and involve them in all aspects of the creation and development of the experience. The stories will be showcased at a launch at Blackpool Central Library, boosting confidence, promoting empathy and diversity through the power of stories.

The service will also work alongside Curious Minds to deliver ‘I’m a Teenager, Get Me into Here’ training to all frontline staff, to create a positive environment for young people accessing the library service.

Staff members digital skills will also be upskilled through ‘Go See’ opportunities and taster workshops, helping to keep the library service relevant and current, building on the legacy of StoryTrails, and ensuring Blackpool is at the forefront of technological advances.

The project will also invest in and upskill a local artist, with opportunities to attend enhanced VR and technological training from partner organisations such as MBD Limited.

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