Research Centre
Art and Design Research Centre

Date
2011

This EPSRC funded project explored the potential of film and animation in promoting communication between younger and older people growing up and growing old in care

ARTHOUSE focused on establishing a dialogue between younger people and older people growing up and growing old in care.  Within the project art, film-making and design technologies formed vehicles through which participants were able to explore and communicate important messages about they faced in order to develop shared understanding.

The research fell into two distinct phases.  In the first phase researchers within the Art and Design Research Centre facilitated five half day workshops and through the medium of digital storytelling provided older and younger people with the opportunity to come together to share their stories of what it meant to live within that community.  

The second phase focused exclusively on younger people living in foster homes using the medium of animation, film and digital technologies.

Key achievements of the project

• Working with socially isolated older people and young people within Sheffield to foster relationships and build understanding through the medium of film and digital technologies
• Engaging with young people living in foster care across Sheffield and surrounding districts
• Working with an interdisciplinary team that included social work, occupational therapy, engineering, media, visual communications
• The involvement of external stakeholders including Sheffield City Council, the Salvation Army and Sheffield Archive Service
• New insights into inter-disciplinary working

Researchers involved

Professor Ian Gwilt - Professor of Design: Visual Communication

Dr Claire Craig - Member of Lab4Living, Senior Lecturer Occupational Therapy

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