Free media workshops in York aim to increase community involvement

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A community project in York is giving citizens the opportunity to develop their media skills in a series of free workshops.

The Explore Media project , funded by a £85,000 grant from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills as part of their Transformation Fund initiative , is organising workshops and roadshows during February and March.

The project also offers a preview of York Library's current transformation into an Explore learning centre and open-access media hub. Refurbishment is under way and it is set to re-open in Spring 2010, with the aim of promoting media literacy through library staff and support volunteers.

Dave Fleming, community arts officer at City of York Council's Arts and Culture department and part of the development team told Journalism.co.uk that the intention of the project is to focus on community media service.

"The purpose is to get people more involved in telling stories from their own community. Instead of being passive receivers, it encourages them to get out there and deliver stories on a local level," he said.

Fleming is also involved in local youth media project, Khaoz Media . A group of volunteers and facilitators with specialist knowledge, the group is responsible for developing the workshops and lending expertise in testing the new equipment.

"The Explore Media project is a good opportunity for us to further develop the projects Khaoz have been doing," he explained.

Colm O'Rourke, a cross-platform broadcast journalist at Khaoz who is also involved in the Explore Media project, said: "Six members are involved in the development aspect, however, all members of Khaoz are contributing to other parts of the Explore projects, such as providing assistance at the open workshops to ensure those taking part have more hands-on support from people with experience in using equipment."

The Explore Media project has already put on two roadshows showcasing the new equipment, and O'Rourke said participants from local community groups have taken an interest in developing their skills in media.

"They have told us they want to use community journalism, and the technology to create it to promote their activities and interests and as a member of the Explore and Khaoz teams, I hope it will lead to working with these people in helping them produce and edit their own community media content," he said.

He also believes that there is a need for citizen journalism in York: "Locally, the city only has one daily newspaper and we are served by the local BBC and ITV news services from Leeds and Newcastle, who have a wide geographical area to serve."

Upcoming workshops, available through February and March, will include blogging, website design, TV and radio broadcasting and video editing.

Nearby libraries in Acomb and New Earswick are already successful Explore learning centres.