Overview | Luminate
Luminate is a library-based creative arts programme, engaging young people from the Crewe area through hands-on digital light installation workshops.
The project focuses on three key areas; a family activity, a multi-session youth project and training of library staff. This multifaceted approach will ensure the Luminate project is successful in delivering digital arts engagement for its target audiences and will help to foster a positive legacy in the local community.
Library Staff – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (October Half Term)
Our CPD training will provide the staff at Crewe library with the required knowledge and confidence to deliver creative digital skills workshops. Librarians will act as ambassadors cascading their learning to the wider Cheshire East Libraries staff, allowing the development of similar digital arts events from 2023-25 across the Borough as part of the Arts in Libraries programme.ย
Family Project – Minecraft โInspiredโ Electronic Paper Craft Torches (October Half Term)
Our family activities will provide opportunity for younger children and parents to explore the Luminate theme together, investing in the projectโs ethos whilst learning digital skills.
Supported by staff from Cheshire East Libraries, we will deliver activities that combine crafting and technology to create mobile light devices which participants can take home with them. Families will be invited to join a collective visually symphonic display as part of a public celebration Lumen Festival of Lights.
Youth Project – Luminate Youth (October – December)
During Luminate Youth we will work with young people aged 11-16, in weekly workshops delivered after school, at Crewe library. Participants will be given an opportunity to try a range of digital arts activities, from coding to e-textiles, and will develop transferable skills including technical application, judgement of factors and working as part of a team.
The eight-week project culminates in a collective public light installation, created by the young participants. The installation will be displayed as part of an art trail through the town.
How the Project Happened
Luminate is the culmination of a six month collaboration between ourselves and Crewe Library, and resulted in a successful joint funding bid to Arts Council England. Having worked together on our Creative Careers in Crewe project we wanted to do more to bring digital art provision to young people in Crewe while upskilling library staff, to increase our lasting positive impact. Early in our development phase we became keen to link our project with Creweโs Lumen Festival and the idea for Luminate was born!
Thanks to our partners Crewe Library and thanks also to Cheshire East Council, Lumen Festival and Arts Council England for helping to bring the project to life.