Machines of the Future

Organisation: UK New Artists

Role: Lead Artist

August 2024

In August 2024, nine young people from Derby participated in Machines of the Future, a project designed to merge creative thinking with technological innovation. A collaboration between UK New Artists, S.H.E.D., and the University of Derby, the initiative explored the connections between art and engineering to equip young people with skills for the future workforce.

Machines of the Future gave participants a unique opportunity to:

• Explore and combine artistic and engineering techniques, discovering the synergies between them.
• Build confidence in creative thinking and understand how their ideas can shape the world around them.
• Connect with other creative young individuals from their community.
• Establish a relationship with the University of Derby.
• Gain insight into potential career paths in both creative and industrial sectors.

Participants were guidend through an immersive experience of research-driven and practical learning. Using cutting-edge tools such as virtual reality design software and 3D immersive technologies, the participants created innovative designs. They also visited Masson Mill and worked with industry professionals from Bloc Digital, exploring Derby’s industrial past and present, and using this as inspiration for their own forward-thinking concepts.