This winter Knowle West Media Centre will be showcasing exciting new talent in the gaming industry – and we want to hear from you!
For two months, the Gaming ‘Test Space’ will offer a place for individuals and groups working and playing in the gaming world to come together, particularly those who are currently under-represented in the field.
Issues around representation are widely recognised: earlier this year, the Guardian reported that “the latest figures from games industry trade body, TIGA, show that just 14% of people working in the UK games industry are women.” A 2015 Creative Skillset Media Survey found that the industry has a lower proportion of female employees than any other part of the Creative Media Sector and in 2015 just 4% of employees in the games industry were from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME).
On 4th and 5th November we’re hosting the third annual South Bristol Gaming and Anime Expo, which will be followed by a week-long take-over of the space by Grrrl Games – a Bristol-based group for women making games.
After this opening fortnight, what happens in the Test Space from 13th November until 15th December is up to you…
We’re looking for groups to take over the Gaming Test Space for up to a fortnight each between 13th November and 15th December.
You can use the space however you like: as a studio to develop a new game, as an exhibition space, for an event…whatever you fancy!
During your take-over you must work with the young people involved in our Wednesday Creative Hub session in some way and/or deliver one event, activity or workshop for people over 18.
Your group must also create something to be left in the Test Space – this could be an object, an image or some game instructions. In this way we will be collectively creating a growing exhibition and showcase for your groups work.
A materials budget of up to £500 depending on scale of proposal
Access to the KWMC exhibition studio (Test Space)
Promotion of your activities
Support from our young people’s team to create and deliver Creative Hub sessions
Access to a range of technical equipment. Groups will be provided with a menu of tech to play with – please contact us in advance if you need to see a list of technical kit available before sending your proposal.
Your name and short description of your group
A one-page outline proposing including:
How you would use the space
Your ideas for working with young people and/or for an adult event
How this opportunity would be useful for your group
How your take-over will contribute to championing or increasing diversity within the gaming industry.
Please also include your preferred dates / times, a copy of your CV or links to past group work and projects, a completed Equalities Monitoring Form and an e-mail address.
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 10th October, 5pm
Interviews: Tuesday 17th October
For more details contact Jess Linington: jess.linington@kwmc.org.uk or 0117 903 0444.