Visual Spectrum Invite you to join their Lighting and Visual Masterclass!

I’m Oisin, founder of DSNT & Visual Spectrum. We have produced some insane projects, parties and festivals over the past 10 years. I’m excited to bring that into an online learning experience.

This course is for aspiring artists that want to learn more about creating visual productions. It's for event producers that want to translate their ideas into a realistic vision. It's for musicians that want to produce a world class stage show. It's for filmmakers that want to have a better understanding of lights & visuals.

The course will include:

• Learn from real-world case studies of large festival productions

• Access to private students group

• Access to templates, project files & more

• On-demand access to all course materials

• Festival & Events behind the scenes: AVA Festival, DSNT, Fuinneamh, Celtronic, Boxed Off Festival.

This is the course I wish I had 10 years ago - a fast track learning experience covering everything I’ve learned through pain, trial and error and receiving industry mentorship.

I’ve been producing high impact visual experiences for festivals & events, building ambitious art installations, running insane madness raves and I deliver visuals & lighting for over 300 of the biggest DJs in the world.

We will go through real world projects, my process for winning new clients, looking at every aspect to get it over the line. From pitch to production to liveshow.

We will learn about industry standard lighting solutions, software skills for creating and operating visuals.

We will go through case studies of projects we have delivered for world class festivals.

All content will be available on-demand and launches on the 30th of September, pre-registered students will get first access to behind the scenes content & private Facebook Group.

For more information on the course and tickets: https://visualspectrum.thinkific.com

This project has been funded by
Arts Council of Northern Ireland & Future Screens NI

The Makers Series at the Designerie

PARTNERSHIP: THE MAKERS HOUSE AT THE DESIGNERIE, ENTERPRISE CAUSEWAY AND FUTURE SCREENS NI

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the most vulnerable people faced increased isolation, resulting in decreased opportunities for social interaction and physical activity - so vital for good mental and physical wellbeing. In addition, local artists and makers faced a loss of income and significant negative impact on their small businesses, due to closure of physical premises, local markets and craft fairs.

The act of creating something, and our and others, appreciation of it, provides an experience that can have positive effects on our physical and mental health. The current situation demands that opportunities to participate in, and connect with others through creative activities need to be made easily available, affordable and accessible. With that in mind, and with the support of Future Screens NI, Makers House at the Designerie Bushmills  have created “The Makers Series”.

Funded by Future Screens NI- ‘Rewriting the Narrative’- The Maker’s Series comprises eight, easily accessible and free ‘virtual’ workshops, led by established local artists/makers, allowing those most in need to engage in creative activities and connect with others. The workshops introduce crafters, makers and artists to a range of traditional crafts and art forms that they may already be familiar with, but have not engaged with for some time (weaving, macrame) and new crafts and arts forms they may not have tried before (photography, needle felting, paper crafts). Each of the workshops will encourage viewers to explore their talent, through expansion and extension of learned skills, and to continue to develop and to express themselves creatively in  their own time. All workshops feature clear audio and visual instructions and will also provide the option of free downloads of user friendly, printed instructions, featuring full colour photographs of each step.

Beginners Needle Felting Workshop

Introduction to Water-colour painting Workshop

Paper Quilling Workshop

Fabric Flower Brooch Workshop

Beginners Weaving Workshop

Beginner's Macrame Keyring

Workshops are free, and carefully planned to keep material costs low, and/or will include materials viewers may already have at home. The artists of Makers House at the Designerie hope you enjoy them and would love to hear your feedback.  Contact clairemcdowell256@gmail.com for more information.

Arts Council and Future Screens NI open new £1.1m emergency funding programme to support individuals working in the Creative Economy

Image: Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is pictured L-R with Country Music singer Cliona Hagan from Co Tyrone and Deirdre McKenna, a visual artist/curator and studio member of Flax Art Studios, Belfast to launch the reopening of the £4m Creative Support Fund which will open for applications on 31 July from 12pm. The Creative Support Fund, which will be administered by the Arts Council NI, is a support package for the arts, creative industries and cultural sector. Further information is available http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, in collaboration with Future Screens NI, today (Friday 31st July 2020) opened a new funding programme designed to support those working in the Creative Economy including freelancers, musicians, actors, artists and craft workers during the COVID-19 crisis. The Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme (IERP), worth £1m from the Department for Communities and an additional £100,000 from Future Screens NI, offers individuals the opportunity to apply for grants of £1,200, £3,000 or £5,000 each. 

The IERP provides much needed financial support and employment, a lifeline to individuals working within the wider Creative Economy, at a time when essential elements of the arts sector have been decimated due to venue and gallery closures, festival and event cancellations and the disappearance of live audiences.  The IERP builds on the initial, Artist Emergency Programme (AEP), a fund that was opened by the Arts Council on 27th April 2020 and was heavily oversubscribed. 

This new funding programme is one element of the wider £4m funding package recently announced by Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, Department for Communities, to support the arts, creative industries and cultural sector during the current pandemic. Further measures will be rolled out to organisations in the creative sector in the coming weeks.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“The opening of the Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme today is welcome news and we hope to allocate this funding quickly as possible. We also welcome an additional £100,000 provided by Future Screens NI as part of this programme.  The programme is designed to support those artists and freelance creatives who were left struggling with serious financial hardships since their livelihoods disappeared practically overnight as a result of the pandemic. Demand on our previous Artists Emergency Fund for creative workers outstripped capacity by 3:1.  The new Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme provides critically-needed support and will help to bridge the gap over the coming months until the Executive has an opportunity to consider and agree a more comprehensive, long-term government support package for arts, culture and heritage in Northern Ireland.”

Professor Paul Moore, Director Future Screens NI said,

“Future Screens NI welcome the Individual Emergency Resilience Fund of £1.1mn which will provide release much needed resources to freelancers, musicians, actors, artists and craft workers.  We are delighted to work in partnership with the Arts Council NI and the Department for Communities to provide this much needed stimulus to the Creative Industries.  Moving Forward Future Screens NI welcome the opportunity to continue to work with both the Arts Council and the Department for Communities to target resources and support into the sector   Since the outset of the crisis Future Screens have provided much needed resources and support to the Creative Industries to address some of the most severe implications of Covid-19”.

The IERP is open for online applications from Friday 31st July and will close at 4pm on Monday 17th August for grants ranging from £1,200, £3,000 and £5,000.  For information on eligibility, guidance notes and to apply visit http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding

For more information on the financial impact of the Coronavirus on the NI Arts Sector visit http://artscouncil-ni.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-advice

To read the Arts Council’s survey on financial impact of Coronavirus on NI Arts sector (April 2020) visit http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/images/uploads/publications-documents/ACNI-Coronavirus-Survey-Report-April2020.pdf

Future Screens NI hold First Ever Creative Industries Round Table hosted by Chair of the NI Assembly Economy Committee

The first ever policy roundtable held on 2nd of July 2020chaired by Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Chair of the NI Assembly Economy Committee was attended by 70 representatives of the Creative Industries extending across Screen, VR, AR, new and emerging technology, theatre, dance, art and craft.

The Chair of the Economy Committee, Dr Caoimhe Archibald opened the event noting the timeliness of the round table on the Creative Industries within the context of the ongoing Covid-19 Crisis, but also in the context of the development of a strategy for Economic Recovery.   The Chair pointed towards the need to look ahead and to consider and work for the future we want for both the creative and regional economy.  The Chair referred to the strength of the creative economy pre-covid and the potential for the creative industries to act as a hotbed for innovation with fast developing technologies which apply the creative approach to some of our most pressing societal challenges including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Rendering, Med Tech, Pain, Movement, Tourism, Inclusion, Conflict Transformation and Smart Cities.   The Chair noted the role of Future Screens NI and partners in supporting the success of the region and continuing to stimulate recovery during the crisis.

Professor  Paul Moore Director of Future Screens NI noted the publication of the UK Research and Development Road Map which has highlighted the role of the Creative Cluster Programme in transforming the extent and quality of interactions between leading research-intensive universities and creative businesses, bringing together world-class research talent from across the UK in a first-of-its-kind R&D investment. A key focus of Future Screens NI is to develop the creative industries to become the new heavy industries within the NI context.  Building on the opportunities for growth and economic return.

Professor Moore explained that the Creative Industries have experienced rapid expansion and form an essential aspect of the local economy Gross Value Added (GVA) for the creative industries was £1,088 million in 2017, representing 2.7% of Northern Ireland’s total GVA.  In absolute terms, GVA for the creative industries increased by 8% between 2016 and 2017 (£1,008 million to £1,088 million), compared to a 5% increase for total GVA. Overall, GVA for the creative industries has generally increased over the trend period from 2010 to 2017.  There are currently 25,000 jobs within the local creative economy.  Since it’s inception Future Screens NI have invested Future Screens NI have invested £5.1mn in the local creative economy.  £3.9mn of which is private investment and £1.3mn of which has been invested by Future Screens NI.  This investment has stimulated more than 90 live R&D projects and created 179 high level jobs operating at the forefront of innovation both locally and globally.

The recent Covid-19 will have generated significant challenges and opportunities for the local creative economy.  Oxford Economics have predicted a significant downturn for the Creative Industries in the context of the recent ongoing crisis predicting a UK wide GVA shortfall of £29bn and are predicting significant job losses.  It is essential that local creative industries continue to advance and thrive and that positive examples of resilience in the context of Covid-19 are harvested and lessons for future challenges are identified.  Professor Moore raised the point that it is essential the challenges facing theatre, public venues, the film and tv industry and freelance workers are fulling examined.  He also noted that the need to identify  the challenges and opportunities which are emerging for those working within animation, gaming and new, immersive and emerging technology. 

Future Screens NI have acted pro-actively within the NI context to identify and resolve challenges presented at the initial stages of the Covid-19 crisis including investing in 32 projects addressing the challenges of Covid-19 and providing financial support to free-lancers.  The region has generated significant innovation in the context of Covid-19 in the areas or connectivity, education, community building, and innovation in med- As the region transitions from lock down it is essential that recovery is stimulated and maintained.  The Creative Industries will play an essential role in both the recovery and the economic and digital transformation of the region.

Professor Moore highlighted that it is essential that the Executive recognise the significance of the creative industries and ensure that the sector is front and centre within the formation and implementation of Economic Strategies, Economic Recovery Plans particularly in the context of Covid-19 and that the strength and credibility of the Creative Industries informs Economic Policy Making.Overall the Executive, the Assembly and industry working must work in partnership to put creative industries at the heart of the growth agenda, recognising the importance of the growth sector to the regional economy,  ensuring a business, regulatory and fiscal (while recognising local fiscal limitations) environment that encourages the creation of, investment in and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) assets, to  creative businesses can start up, succeed and grow.  Essential to this is ensuring that the creative industries are supported at all levels of government and across all departments particularly the Department of the Economy.   The sector has a significant role in delivering the economic dividend from the transition from conflict.

Professor Cathy Craig provided a presentation on the innovative research and development programme which is currently being advanced by INCISIV in the area of Action Intelligence, brain function and neural fitness.  The modular platform developed by INCISIV extends through elite fitness, neural fitness, health and brain function employing VR Environment and sensors, analytics engine and advanced performance insights which can be employed to measure and understand the impacts of concussion. 

https://incisiv.tech/

Professor Craig noted that there is an opportunity post COVID-19 to capitalise on the power of immersive technologies to change the ways in which events are experienced and content consumed (e.g. sports, theatre, live music) but the ways in which children are educated and how adults learn. The last 4 months has stimulated a complete rethink regarding the use of technology to support the ways in which we as a society live, work and play. This should be capitalised upon and harnessed.  Immersive technologies are an enabler - but content will always be ‘King’ or ‘Queen’. For example, engagement with telephones and tablets is content driven.  It is what is watched upon them or experienced using them that drives their utility.  It is essential that NI builds capacity in terms of helping and supporting those who wish to create new types of digital content that will exploit the power of immersive technologies. Whilst The Digital Catapult exists  it is currently not in a position to support and develop the technical expertise required in order to ensure that immersive technologies are utilised to their full capacity. For example the Digital Catapult is not currently in a position to drive content creation. Initiatives such as The Pixel Mill which is a joint project between NI Screen and Future Screens NI is an essential incubator which is driving forward gaming technology but It is crucial that there is a greater understanding or and investment in immersive technology applications beyond gaming.  Many of the activities stimulated by Future Screens NI are addressing this challenge but a more formal intervention from Government would be welcome.

Dr Hyojung Sun, Research Fellow in the Creative Industries at Ulster University provided a presentation (attached) on the contribution of the Creative Industries to the Economy.  Dr Sun emphasised the contribution of the UK music industry which contributed £5.2bn to the UK economy in 2018.  Dr Sun highlighted the increased demand for creative content during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and highlighted the loss of earnings for creatives particularly musicians.  Dr Sun referred to the potential for significant job losses within the creative industries as a result of the crisis.

Read Dr.Sun’s presentation here

Overall it was noted that it is essential that the Covid-19 does not slow the regional growth of the creative industries.

Emerging Filmmakers Selected for Masterclasses with Multi-Award-Winning Producer David Puttnam through the Puttnam Scholars Scheme

Future Screens NI, NI Screen, Screen Ireland and Atticus Education Announce Puttnam Scholars

Screen Skills Ireland, the skills development unit within Screen Ireland, is delighted to partner with Northern Ireland Screen, Future Screens NI and Atticus Education to offer eight individuals (four Northern Ireland residents and four Republic of Ireland residents) the opportunity to attend 6 two hour online masterclasses with Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, CHARIOTS OF FIRE, THE KILLING FIELDS).

The participants will also receive a special Scholarship from Atticus Education of €1,500 each, which they can use to further their career development. The scholarship bursaries are supported by Accenture in Ireland.

Speaking about the initiative, David Puttnam said, “This Atticus Education-Puttnam Scholars initiative with Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen is something about which I am truly excited. The series will provide participants with new ways of thinking about their careers, encouraging them to consider why the role of cinema may be ever more important during these unsettled days; days that may be filled with anxiety and change, but – with the right story to tell – also offer the possibility of renewal and hope.”

The eight participants are all up-and-coming writers, directors, or producers that have either made their first feature or television drama or are in the process of developing their first feature or television drama.

The four Northern Ireland participants were selected through a Future Screens NI initiative and the four Republic of Ireland participants were nominated by four Irish higher education institutions.

The eight participants are:

· Mark McNally – Screenwriter selected by Future Screens NI

· Grace Sweeney – Documentary Producer/Director selected by Future Screens NI

· Kiran Archarya – Documentary Filmmaker selected by Future Screens NI

· Janine Cobain – Producer selected by Future Screens NI

· Simon Doyle – Producer nominated by IADT

· David O’Sullivan – Producer/Director nominated by TU Dublin

· Laura O’Shea – Actor/Writer/Director nominated by Limerick School of Art and Design

· Sean Clancy – Director nominated by Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

The Atticus Education Puttnam Scholars masterclasses will be online and fully interactive. They are designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the creative process, and the cultural context within which the screen industries operate. Across the six masterclasses, David Puttnam will explore the following themes:

1.     The Origin: Why does film matter?

2.     The Power of Identity: How can film make the personal universal?

3.     From Plot to Premiere: How a small idea can make its way to the screen, using the case-study of Local Hero.

4.     The Evolution of Creativity: How to cultivate ideas and innovation on set

5.     Music and Meaning: How do you know what you want your film to sound like?

6.     Interpreting the Future: How ongoing changes across the screen industries have been accelerated by the global pandemic.

Commenting on the scheme, Désirée Finnegan, CEO of Screen Ireland said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Northern Ireland Screen, on the exciting Atticus Education-Puttnam Scholars initiative, which provides a unique opportunity for emerging creative talent to learn from acclaimed and visionary Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam. This initiative is a great example of innovation in sectoral learning that is more relevant than ever in these times, as the masterclasses will all be online and fully interactive. We are very proud to support this programme and wish the participants every success as they develop their careers.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said; “We are delighted to be working with Screen Ireland and Future Screens NI on the Puttnam Scholars initiative which offers eight emerging filmmakers an exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business, David Puttnam. Opportunities like this are needed more than ever in the current climate. Access to an industry heavyweight like David is invaluable at this early stage of their careers. We wish all the participants every success.”