Coventry University expands creative tech programme for young people with SEND
New workshops, clubs and summer schools aim to boost skills and confidence
Coventry University is expanding a project designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) develop creative and digital skills.
The next phase of the Inclusive Immersive programme builds on a successful pilot launched in 2024 and will offer opportunities for participants to explore areas including game design, interactive storytelling, character creation, pixel art and 3D world-building.
Lisa Wilson, Innovation Manager at Coventry University, said: "Inclusive Immersive is about breaking down barriers to creative technology and providing opportunities in a way that is accessible, engaging and led by young people.
"By bringing together schools and communities across Coventry we are creating space for young people to explore their creativity and see a place for themselves in the future of the creative industries."
Funded by Arts Council England, Inclusive Immersive 2.0 is being delivered in partnership with Open Theatre and Farrer Consulting. The programme will run throughout the summer and include after-school clubs, summer schools and pop-up events across Coventry.
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: "We are pleased to be investing almost £50,000 in Coventry University’s Inclusive Immersive 2.0 through National Lottery Project Grants, following on from their initial Arts Council funded pilot of the project in 2024.
"Inclusive Immersive has proven itself to be an impactful partnership between Coventry University, Open Theatre and Farrer Consulting, exploring how digital tools can make immersive art more accessible and providing valuable opportunities for young people across Coventry and beyond to develop digital art skills."