Turning a hobby into a career could become a reality thanks to an exciting new project.
Open Doors is a free drop-in session for people aged 16 and over, who live in the Harbour, Central or East Folkestone wards and who are into all things digital. It is run by Screen South, with funding from Folkestone Community Works (run by Folkestone & Hythe District Council).
At the event, on Friday 6 May, visitors will have a chance to try virtual reality, have a go at a gaming programme and animation, and discover field recording and sound effects. The Open Doors team will be there to offer practical next steps to getting on the career ladder.
Under the Step-Up strand to the project, anyone who has already started to make film, games, animations or sound scenes, can also attend the event. They can speak with the team to find out how to have free use of kit, help and guidance, and grow their portfolio, including a free showcase later this year.
Cllr David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: "Open Doors is an example of how a grant from the Folkestone Community Works programme - which was match-funded by Screen South - is being put to excellent use for those who will most benefit, now and in the future."
Jo Nolan, Screen South Managing Director, said: "It's thanks to funding from the Folkestone Community Works programme that we are able to hold Open Doors. Aimed at anyone who likes making videos on their phone, enjoys gaming, is fascinated by AR/VR, or is interested in sound, we're sure it will be a fun, inspiring and useful day."
Open Doors is being held at Screen South's digital hub at the Glassworks, just off Tontine Street, from 11am to 7pm. To register for a drop-in visit, go to screensouth.org, email info@screensouth.org or call 01303 259777.
Anyone who runs a local and group and would like a visit from the Screen South team, can also use these contact details.
Folkestone Community Works, run by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, invests EU funding into the district and among the recipients are many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), such as Screen South. SMEs in the FMC area with less than 250 employees and a turnover of under €50m can apply for grants between £1,000 and £8,000 (this must be match-funded).
More details about the FMC project be found here: https://folkestone.works/folkestone-community-works/
FMC covers the East, Central and Harbour wards of Folkestone.
European Structural and Investment Funds
The project is receiving up to £2.5 million of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs.
For further information, visit www.gov.uk/register-growth-funding.
Date published: 27 April 2022