Stoke's Shared Prosperity Funding Announcement: Empowering Community and Heritage through Innovation
We were thrilled to hear the recent announcement by Stoke Council regarding the first tranche of Shared Prosperity funding for Community and Place. In the past, we have often witnessed funds being wasted in the city, which made us eager to make a difference. Recognizing the passion and love that drive local projects, such as The Portland Inn Project and Stoke Creates, we decided to get involved. Two projects that we initially supported have successfully received funding, and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of them.
Full list here - https://www.stoke.gov.uk/news/article/1315/community-based_organisations_to_benefit_from_21_million_of_shared_prosperity_fund
Middleport Matters: Gamifying Heritage for Future Generations Our first project involves collaborating with Middleport Matters, local community groups, and the Carse & Waterman team. Together, we aim to design and build a gamified Middleport Pottery experience. By leveraging technology as a powerful storyteller and communication tool, we can make heritage more interesting and accessible to younger generations. It's an incredible opportunity to upskill local youth, allowing them to understand more about the jobs of the future while immersing them in our rich local heritage. We draw inspiration from Ubisoft's work on the Assassin's Creed games, particularly their innovative discovery element. Bringing this technology to Stoke, we're thrilled to begin with Discover Middleport, revolutionizing how we communicate and experience our local heritage.
HOOTANANA: Fostering Creativity and Skills with Claybody Theatre and Framescape Our second involvement is with the exciting project HOOTANANA, in collaboration with Claybody Theatre and Framescape. As part of the local "Createch" Creative Technical community, Carse & Waterman, alongside other companies, will contribute to creating supporting elements for the main event. Additionally, we're dedicated to delivering city-wide skills opportunities, opening doors for young individuals to explore new areas of the job market. Through engaging and hands-on sessions, we aim to broaden their horizons and equip them with valuable skills. This project is a fantastic chance to inspire and empower local youth while fostering a stronger creative ecosystem in Stoke.
Being entrusted with these projects is a privilege we take seriously. We understand the responsibility of effectively utilizing the funding to create lasting impact. Our goal is to ensure that local young people gain a deeper understanding of future job prospects, acquire skills in creative technologies, and experience Stoke's heritage in a gamified and interactive way. We are inspired by the innovative work of companies like Ubisoft and are thrilled to bring similar technology to Stoke, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for our local history. Moreover, through HOOTANANA, we aim to open doors for young minds, offering them valuable skills and a broader perspective on potential career paths. We are honored to be part of these projects, and we eagerly anticipate the positive outcomes that will enhance the prosperity of Stoke and its community.
By Daniel