The Knowle West Media Centre unlocks creativity in the South West

The Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) is an independent charity, based in Bristol, that helps local young people gain experience and skills in various areas of the media such as design, film and photography. The centre, which currently employs 16 staff, has worked primarily with young people since it was set up in 2002. KWMC develops concepts and projects with young people to express their ideas, learn new skills, explore issues and bring about change.

The latest ambitious KWMC project is the Archimedia Project, where young people have driven the design and build of a new flagship media centre to replace the current Knowle West Media Centre, which is in a poor state of repair. The new building will provide innovation and enterprise space to the creative industries, including training rooms; meeting rooms; production suites; sound studios; exhibition space; incubation and managed workplace. It is also be a unique and inspiring space; built from 43 straw bale panels, it will be the largest straw bale building in the South West of England. It is a trail blazing build with minimal environmental footprint incorporating natural ventilation, a woodchip boiler system, solar water heating and rainwater harvesting.

The key to the Archimedia project is putting young local people at the heart of all the decision-making. By getting involved in everything from choosing the architects, to the design of the building, to the fundraising activity, all participants have gained invaluable skills and business experience that will benefit them in the future. They will also be able to take great pride in helping to create the centre, which will have a positive impact on their community.

As well as running projects, KWMC also offers two-year traineeships. During the two years the trainees learn skills by working alongside project workers and have a real ‘hands on’ experience. There are also opportunities to gain Open College Network (OCN) and Youth Achievement qualifications. All that’s needed to join the programme is enthusiasm, motivation and a willingness to learn.

As a result, many of the trainees have been encouraged to start up their own businesses, go on to higher education or consider other routes not normally open to them. Impressions by Terri and Hello Graphics are just two of the success stories

The Knowle West Media Centre has a significant impact on the local community, both in terms of the personal development of the young people it works with and the positive social and economic impact it has on the whole community. Located in an area ranked high in Government indices of deprivation, the centre plays an invaluable role in improving the prospects and outlook of the local community.

Stephen Peacock, Executive Director for Enterprise and Innovation at the South West RDA said:

“The Knowle West Media Centre is an excellent example of how community based enterprises can be innovative and creative. Involving young people in the building of the new centre has equipped them with new skills and unlocked potential that might otherwise have remained untapped. Encouraging enterprise in this way is great news for the future of the region’s economy.”

Carolyn Hassan, Director of Knowle West Media Centre, added:

“It is significant that a community media organisation that brings together creativity, community engagement, environmental awareness and enterprise has been recognised through the Enterprising Britain 2007 Awards. We look forward to building on the success of this award and demonstrating how the creative economy can contribute to the regeneration of communities.”

The Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) was regional winner of the 2007 Enterprising Britain competition for the South West of England.

Read what Carolyn Hassan has to say about enterprise education.