Transforming Toxteth with new media technology
Summary
Attending EverybodyOnline’s taster sessions were just the first steps for Tracey Dunn to learn about the power of new media technologies. With the help of EverybodyOnline project officer, Lucy Campbell and other local digital technology initiatives, she was able to produce an online campaign, a series of short films, and get acquainted with the local radio station highlighting local regeneration issues in the city of Liverpool.
What happened?
Tracey Dunn is a local artist and a regular at the Liverpool 8 EverybodyOnline Internet taster sessions at the Innovations factory, Dingle, Toxteth. She expressed interest in local concerns about saving Ringo Starr’s house (where he was born) from demolition, and preserving the Liverpool Garden Festival site; one of the first major projects to regenerate in the wake of the Toxteth riots in the 1980’s.
With the help of EverybodyOnline and the International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a local digital technology initiative, Tracy made a series of short films which highlighted the plight of the Garden Festival Site and the historical significance of Ringo Starr’s house. This was done using a video camera and a Computer to edit the film. Tracey also had the idea of developing a blog (an online journal for people to post information) to support her campaigns.
Tracey’s new found ICT and media skills have gone from strength to strength. Since making the films she has been sharing them with local campaigners as well as attracting media attention from Radio Merseyside, where she has broadcast a series of interviews. Her campaign blog www.violetmazeadventures.blogspot.com has been acknowledged by Central Government who has now agreed to carry out a full, public enquiry.
The success of this piece of work and the new skills she has gained has given Tracey a massive surge of confidence and has allowed her to do something she has always wanted to do. She says, “Being given the opportunity to make my own films has been a life changing experience. I am usually a shy person, and the camera has acted as an ice breaker. Thank you so much”
Key Achievements
• Tracey has learned, new and innovative, Information and Communication Technology and media skills
• Her increase in confidence has driven her motivation to develop her ideas
• Tracey’s work is having a positive impact on, and engages with the local community
• Tracey will be buying her own film making equipment, so that she can continue her work.