Digital DIY and Arts

This training course is designed for youth workers interested in exploring STEAM, digital youth work, and the intersection of science, technology, and the arts.

Over four days, participants will have the opportunity to engage with like-minded educators active in digital youth work, maker education, and STEAM. They will take part in workshops and seminars and experience the dynamic environment of Mutation Fest (https://mutationfest.be/).

The aim of this training course is to generate new ideas for youth work activities focused on technology and science, incorporating artistic elements. Participants will learn from educators who are passionate about sustainability, open-source philosophy, reuse, recycle, transform practices in STEAM and maker education. They will also exchange best practices from various fields of maker education and digital youth work.

By the end of the course, participants are expected to:

• Develop and deliver new educational content to their target audience.
• Integrate more sustainable practices into their daily work.
• Embrace open-source principles related to hardware and software.
• Incorporate an artistic dimension into their STEAM and maker activities.
• Expand their network across Europe, fostering long-lasting exchanges of good practices.

The training course will be held during Mutation Fest, an international festival focused on the intersection of art and technology. Participants will have access to a range of events, including demonstrations, conferences, and seminars. Mutation Fest is a revolutionary initiative based in Gent Zuid, centered around art and tech. It emphasizes innovation, retro tech, and (s)low tech solutions, inspiring visitors to embrace the future positively and actively shape it.

WHEN?

The activity will take place from November 21st to November 24th, 2024, with november 21st being arrival day and november 24th being departure day.

WHO?

We are searching for candidates who are interested in:

• Developing their skills in digital technologies, problem solving and STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths).
• Educating youth on digital DIY, physical computing, digital fabrication, reusing and recycling practices
• Participating in Maker Education activities and creative projects 

WHAT?

The digital diy and arts training course will focus on the following topics:

• reuse, recycle, transform practices connected with digital diy and maker education (ex. recycling plastic, reusing scrap material for digital fabrication purposes, transform discarded items into art projects) 
• technology and arts: participants will be able to explore concrete projects at the intersection between arts and tech, as well as practice some manipulations themselves 
• maker education and digital youth work: participant will be able to exchange on their practices in this field of work with young people, focussing on their success stories, innovative approaches and pedagogical possibilities
• engaging youth in learning-by-doing activities with a focus on cross-sectoral, open source approach with diversity and collaboration at their core.

WHERE?

The course will take place in Ghent, across various locations associated with Mutation Fest. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the festival and engage in a range of activities, including seminars, speeches, demonstration exhibitions, and practical workshops provided by artists, makers, and creatives.

TRAINERS

There will be facilitators from Digijeunes and De Creatieve STEM. Both are non for profit organizations based in Toulouse, France and Ghent, Belgium, respectively. Their objective is to promote learnign by doing, digital diy and maker education amongst youth and young adults. 

APPLICATION

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this google form so that we can contact you in due course.