/ IDEA >> INNOVATION IN DIGITAL & ELECTRONIC ART - MANCHESTER, UK
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  TRAINING    
   

IDEA delivered a range of multimedia training programmes in Manchester, which were delivered both at IDEA and through a unique online learning scheme 'GO' delivered over the internet. >> For more information about past IDEA courses - please see the link to the IDEA archive.

IDEA supported the innovative 'Digital Sampler' project, where talented multimedia trainees were matched with host organisations in order to gain ‘hands-on’ industry experience. This provided dynamic companies with new talent to nurture the next generation of new media professionals.

 
  INNOVATION  
    Among IDEA's most innovative training projects were the 'arts laboratory' workshops, where creative technologists work on a collaborative project leading to arts production, usually a CD-ROM, web site or performance. Projects are complemented by talks and events, such as Artslab (live web streaming workshop), the Switchboard series of guest lectures, Autoparts show, and Cinema Concret.  
  OUTREACH  
   

Over the last two years, a dedicated education post at IDEA has enabled the development of resources for educators, addressed the limited provision of stimulating examples of digital and electronic arts, and facilitated the creative use of the internet and other computer applications to teachers in formal education. IDEA built strategic partnerships in order to develop the critical context in which digital and electronic arts are produced, viewed and organised.

  
  EXPERIMENTAL  
    IDEA operated the DADI arts space, a experimental art studio and production house with thirty Macs and a mobile facility of ten iMacs. Associate artists used this space for exhibitions, events and live performances as well as a daily studio space. For example, SPLITSHIFT was an innovative new arts project featuring both interactive gallery and digital web broadcast station. A Manchester exclusive, this dual project showcased the work of more than thirty local artists and its web gallery allows international participation as well.  
  RESOURCES  
   

‘Mac in a Box’, was a unique resource providing community art organisation and IDEA partners access to digital media equipment. Through this project IDEA artist were able to host a number of success events, training workshops and education projects including:

The Junction 6061 - an electronically generated response to exhibitions and permanent collections at Oldham Museum and Art Gallery and The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston. The web site was created by a group of young people from both boroughs in collaboration with IDEA artists Nick Crowe and Maria N Stukoff.

The Communication Front Conference in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (June 1999)
IDEA multimedia trainers participated in and led workshops.

Future Vision was a week long summer school organised as part of Cornerhouse's Vivivd programme and was supported by Manchester Multimedia Centre.

Trading Places – IDEA worked in partnership with the Women’s Electronic Village Hall on development and project management of this RALP-funded initiative involving creation of a website inspired by the WEVH’s move to a new building on the site of the old fish market in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Dynamite – this network for youth and community workers exploring creative applications of digital technology with groups of young people was launched in March 2000. Dynamite is a partnership between Manchester City Council’s ISAware and IDEA with support from NWAB. Its priorities are dissemination of good practice and creating opportunities to share experiences, training, access to resources and expertise, and the development of partnerships between agencies, youth workers and artists.

Vurt – a collaboration with Contact, young people’s theatre, was developed around their production of Vurt by Jeff Noon, leading to the production of a CD-ROM aimed at teachers and other professional working with young people, as well as young people themselves (aged 16+).