A big hello to everyone from MakoDigitial Arts CIC!

It’s been a long time coming but we’re finally up and running and ready to start work. We’re ready to start helping communities across the UK to express themselves creatively through the various mediums of digital art and technology.

But before we begin, we thought it’d be a good idea for everyone to have a quick history lesson…

A brief history of Mako

For anybody that know’s anything about the world and works of ‘Mako‘, we’ve been busy working in various forms of digital media, with people and clients of all ages, for over 6 years now.

MakoMedia

MakoMedia works with small and medium-sized businesses, helping business owners with everything digital, from websites to videos, printing, mobiles apps and more.

MakoMedia’s team of media professionals are passionate about developing quality multimedia content, across a wide variety of platforms for business across the UK.

MakoEducation

MakoEducation works with schools, libraries, youth centres and social housing trusts, engaging and educating people of all ages via the use of digital technologies and multimedia platforms. From computer game design to robot coding, video production, stop-motion animation, photography and more.

So what MakoDigital Arts CIC all about then?

Well, in order for us to be able to work with as many people as possible in your local community, we needed to set up as a CIC (community interest company).

The companies outlined above are part of a business ‘Partnership’ and because of this, it put’s several barriers up in terms of the funds that they can apply for – So, in order to be able to deliver the sort of fun, engaging and informative workshops (that the skilled staff at MakoEducation deliver on a daily basis) we have setup MakoDigital Arts CIC.

This all means that MakoDigital Arts CIC can now apply to lots of lovely organisations who might be able to fund us to deliver fantastic art and technology based workshops to people who can really benefit from them… FOR FREE! HURRAH!!

Vision

Our vision is a community that can express themselves creatively through digital art

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide expert guidance, which inspires communities to embrace creativity and express themselves through digital arts, media and technology.

Two men are interacting during a digital workshop. One man, seated and wearing a dark blue jumper, holds a digital pen. The other man, standing and wearing a light blue "Digital Arts Box" t-shirt, leans over with an iPad in hand, demonstrating something on the screen, which is facing away from the camera.
What first drew you to attend one of our workshops, and what do you remember most about that experience as a young person?

 

The first time I joined a session was when I was invited to take part in The Big Music Project. It was a collaboration between The Studio and Mako Create, and I was part of a group of young people taking part. I remember being blown away by how much we got to do. It was actually the first time I’d ever used an iPad! I left that first session really excited about what technology could do. I even came home and told my 7-year-old brother that as soon as he was old enough, I’d be signing him up too. I eventually did, mainly so I could go with him and fly drones!

 

In what ways do you think taking part in the workshops influenced your confidence, skills, or direction at that time in your life?

 

Those early sessions definitely helped build my confidence. As part of The Big Music Project, I got the chance to perform some of my songs at an event and even interview other artists who were performing. I loved it. We also got to go on a trip to London, which sparked my interest in travelling and exploring new places.

How did your journey from participant to team member unfold, and what does it mean to you now to be delivering workshops yourself?

 

After watching Mako Create and Digital Arts Box grow over the years, I was always really motivated to work with them. So when the opportunity came up, I didn’t hesitate. I’d always been impressed by how fun the sessions looked, and I was curious about what went on behind the scenes. Now that I’m part of the team delivering those workshops, it means a lot to be able to give young people the same kind of experience that meant so much to me.

James’s story is a brilliant example of how creative tech programmes can open doors. What started as a fun workshop experience has grown into a career helping others discover their own potential.

We hope his journey inspires other young people to explore creative technology and maybe even return one day to lead workshops of their own!

 

Interested in getting involved? Join our mailing list to find out what exciting projects we’ve got coming up.
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