The building of the Digital Arts Van has been funded through the Big Lottery as part of a partnership project led by KidsOut and coordinated locally by MusicLinks. The project will support a new music and arts programme for Eden, South Lakeland and beyond over the next three years.

The Digital Arts Van provides a self contained IT workspace. The van is fully equipped with state of the art multimedia technology and satellite internet access. This mobility allows us to develop site specific workshops teaching Music (recording, jingles, filmscores), Film Editing and internet based research. We work with schools, youth groups and communities primarily in rural areas. The Van is staffed by a team of Arts professionals who can deliver tailored and effective multimedia arts opportunities.

The resources on board can easily support curriculum based work, accredited courses, community projects and development work. Our website support facility (NUMU) allows all our clients to keep in touch any time from any place.

We actively seek opportunities to explore partnerships across the youth support networks in the region to explore delivery of projects which are of mutual benefit.

Our aims include:

• working in conjunction with young people, local VSOs and statutory bodies, to plan and deliver sessions on the van linking in to existing community facilities where appropriate

• supporting young people to achieve their goals using the van, to identify and when necessary develop accredited vocational training and encourage the development of soft skills

• supporting young people to be involved in the development of the service on a local and national level

• involving students, trainees and volunteers with relevant skills in the delivery of sessions

• Sharing learning with partner organisations in other areas of the country and being involved in an annual showcase of young people’s work and the sharing of best practice

Prince's Trust group enjoying a session on the van

Resources like the Digital Arts Van can contribute to neighbourhood renewal and play a part in making a real difference to health, crime, employment and education in deprived communities. The Arts play a vital role in developing an individual’s potential and self-confidence and help to build positive links within and between communities. By taking our resources into hard to reach communities, we are supporting a policy that says access to the arts is for the many and not the few. Our programmes cater for the needs of the community and its individuals. We value and recognise diversity of skills and abilities by devising programmes that work towards social inclusion.