IDEA - Innovation in Digital and Electronic Arts - was a not-for-profit organisation established in 1996. Since inception, IDEA has provided training, development and production opportunities for artists and creative technologists both face-to-face in Manchester and via unique online courses. >> For more information about IDEA - please see the link to the IDEA archive.

IDEA has worked with more than 6500 people to enhance their skills in use of Information and Communication Technologies, Multimedia and Creative Software Applications, as well as Audio and Video production techniques. IDEA's activity focused on developing people's skills and their potential to thrive in business both locally, regionally and nationally.

Chris Paul: CEO
Chris has been involved in the media and cultural industries since leaving Manchester University in 1982. In 1983 he was co-founder of Medlock Publishing, which produced ‘City Life’ magazine, Manchester’s fortnightly “what’s on” guide. From 1985 Chris worked heading up the Recruitment Advertising Section of Manchester City Council and he also developed interests in music promotion and artist management. In 1990 he left MCC to concentrate on music and arts interests quickly discovering an affinity with fundraising through assisting the Manchester Olympic Festival and going on to work for a wide portfolio of arts clients as fundraiser and advisor, in all raising some £2 million in revenue funding for arts organisations. From 1995 Chris has worked almost exclusively for IDEA.

Caroline Auty: Development Manager
Caroline joined IDEA in January 1998 with a portfolio of high level administrative, financial and marketing skills with previous posts in Higher Education, the Civil Service, and as Head of Administration and Editor at City Life Magazine. At IDEA, Caroline co-ordinates communications and publications including IDEA News, has established accountancy systems including a complex payroll and specialised reporting to funders' requirements, recruited and managed diverse staff teams, and learnt the intricacies of European applications procedures. In the next stage of IDEA's development, Caroline will continue to oversee all financial and personnel matters, managing the enhanced team, while developing the Company's marketing activity on all levels.

Jane Brake
Graham Clayton-Chance
Tim Cooke
Jenna Collins
Nick Crowe
Elliot Duffy
Rupert Francis
Tam Hinton
Guy Hilton
John Hyatt
Nik Kraakenes
Greg Lock
David Morgan
Russel Moss
Adele Myers
Stuart Nolan
Gary Peploe
Anthony Ryan-Carter
Jen Southern
Krishna Stott
Maria N Stukoff