Who We Are:
We are a non-profit, a community interest company established in June 2024 dedicated to supporting people to develop digital confidence, and nurture digital arts talent. Through our inclusive, community-based programmes, we aim to enable people to explore the imaginative world of digital arts while also preparing them for the demands of the modern digital economy.
Our commitment to providing accessible opportunities for people to develop their skills and pursue careers in digital arts aligns with Sunderland City Council's smart city’s broader vision to cultivate a pipeline of local digital talent, which is vital for the city’s economic growth and resilience.
We hosted our soft launch in August 2024 at the TechHub in The Beam, a state-of-the-art tech space in Sunderland’s city centre, in collaboration with Sunderland City Council, Phoenix Software, and Microsoft, designed to improve digital accessibility throughout the region. The event was attended by 25 guests from a range of local organisations, including Together for Children, the Sunderland BME Network, the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre, Karima the Dreamer Poetry, Culture Care and Friends of the Drop-In. This gathering marked the official start of Gen D’s mission to promote digital creativity across Sunderland.
Gen D has already engaged with over 51 individuals from a range of age , ethnicity and faith groups through digital art taster sessions producing over 53 digital artwork, delivering training, and consultations with local entrepreneurs and businesses. By nurturing digital arts talent, Gen D is laying the groundwork for a digitally empowered future: one where creativity and technology unite to unlock new opportunities for individuals, communities, and businesses across Sunderland.
The Current Challenge:
We are passionate about creating, nurturing and growing digital art talent, engagement and provision for all. Through our work, we are keen on growing number of digital creatives and community volunteers to engage within the organisation, gain experience, share skills and in turn support sustainability of the organisation, be ambassadors of digital arts industry and promote independent creatives and businesses.
Access to technology and appropriate devices are essential for nurturing creativity and artistic expression. Unfortunately, many children and young people in our community lack the tools necessary to explore digital art. Without tablets, they face significant barriers:
Limited Access to Resources: With current digital divide and cost of living crisis, many aspiring young artists rely on outdated or insufficient technology, preventing them from fully engaging with modern digital art platforms and techniques.
Missed Opportunities: Without access to tablets, talented individuals may miss out on opportunities to develop their skills, participate in online art communities, and showcase their work.
Inequity in Creative Expression: The lack of resources creates a disparity where only those with access to technology can thrive in the digital art space, leaving many voices unheard.
Hindered Innovation: Digital art fosters innovation and critical thinking. Without the means to create, young artists cannot experiment with new ideas or techniques.
By crowdfunding for tablets, we aim to break down these barriers, providing essential tools that empower creativity and ensure every young artist has the opportunity to shine. Your support can help us turn this challenge into a stepping stone for future generations of digital creators.
Why Your Support Matters:
In the UK, underrepresentation of BAME individuals in digital arts, gaming, and technology sectors continues to be a concern, despite some progress. While BAME individuals make up 14% of the working-age population, their representation in the overall tech workforce is only 12%, and within digital arts and gaming industries, minority groups often face challenges related to retention, career progression, and pay gaps(BAME in Games)(Diversity in Tech).
According to Go-Online Sunderland, 5% of people in the Northeast have never been online, 28% have very low digital capacity, and potentially 1 in 3 Sunderland residents are/experience some form of digital-exclusion. Working with the communities in Sunderland, children mentioned that there is a growing curiosity in mediums of digital art and clear need for provisions of engaging in and to learn, develop and produce digital art.
We are more than a digital art learning organisation, we are an inclusive and safe space for children, young people, artists and community to socialise, explore limitless skills and abilities and foster confidence in thriving in the communities we live, play and work in.
How You Can Help:
Whatever the size of your donation, it helps us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for these children and young adults we work with.
As a Thank You for Your Generosity:
We would love to send a piece of digital art created by the young artists, available as a downloadable print. Please send us an email to [email protected].
Thank you for being a part of the Gen D journey. Your generosity truly makes a difference.