Futurelab is running a workshop on Create-A-Scape at this event, which is organised by South West Screen

10 July 2008
Watershed, Bristol

How can we develop young people's voices so they become the content creators and storytellers of the future? Virtual Voices brings the media industry together with young media makers and their teachers or tutors to attempt to answer this question and many others…

For young people:

• How can you use the web to have a say about the things you care about?
• How does the news work and how can you get involved in creating the stories?
• How can you shape TV and IPTV programmes like Skins?
• What might the media look like by the time you come to work in it?

For teachers, tutors and workshop leaders:

• How is changing technology affecting the way the media works?
• How can collaborations with media practitioners address the work-based learning demands of the new Creative and Media diplomas?
• How can students' existing skills with technology be used within the classroom?

For everyone:

• How relevant are media studies and skills with 'old' media in an online, interactive world?
• How are broadcasters and content makers responding to the challenge of developing audiences in an era when the "audience is dead" and young people spend increasing amounts of time online rather than in front of newspapers or televisions?
• In a world of ever increasing sources of information, how can we make sure young people have the skills to discern bias and make informed contributions to debates and decision making?

What will it be like?

The event will include inspiring speakers, involving workshops (including one on Create-A-Scape run by Futurelab) and hands-on activities. See www.swscreen.co.uk/virtualvoices for more information as the programme is finalised, or sign up to the Virtual Voices e-mailing list by e-mailing virtual [dot] voices [at] swscreen [dot] co [dot] uk.

The event takes place at Watershed, Bristol’s accessible harbourside media centre. Tickets cost £50 each including lunch. To book call +44 (0)117 927 5100. www.watershed.co.uk

There are some free places reserved for young people involved in producing media – if you’d like to attend but don’t have the money please e-mail virtual [dot] voices [at] swscreen [dot] co [dot] uk.