Creative Communities helps seniors capture vibrant past
Digital Inclusion Coordinator Emily Ritchie at the recent ‘A Moment in Time’ digital storytelling exhibition
A project funded by the Creative Communities Grants Scheme has helped capture and celebrate the vibrant histories of Marlborough’s senior community.
Called ‘A Moment in Time’ the digital storytelling exhibition for seniors was facilitated by Presbyterian Support Upper South Island.
It featured at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery in Blenheim from 24 January to 7 February.
Digital Inclusion Coordinator Emily Ritchie said the exhibition showcased the creativity of seniors aged 65 plus.
It featured prints, photos, video, and audio recordings celebrating the vibrant histories of Marlborough’s senior community. More than 80 attendees attended opening night, and 300 viewed the exhibition.
“The Creative Communities grant provided a platform for the digital inclusion project focusing on story telling using and developing digital skills and competency,” Emily said. “By using each participant’s personal experiences, we were able to weave in digital skill development.”
“Everyone has a story to tell and the exhibition provided an opportunity for people to creatively record and share their stories using a range of new platforms. For many this was the first opportunity to do so in such a public forum - we saw this as a valued way to enhance the mana of all participants.”
Future digital inclusion events will focus on navigating online accounts, digital safety and staying connected through technology.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said the seniors’ digital storytelling project was a great example of a success story thanks to the Creative Communities Scheme. “It shows how the fund can be used creatively, and it would be great to see a wider range of applicants in future,” she said.
Now’s the time to get your application in for funding through the Marlborough District Council Creative Communities NZ Scheme. Applications close at 8am on 3 March.
For more information go to: creativenz website or email nicola.neilson@marlborough.govt.nz
