Virtual Lives

Virtual Lives was a research project aiming to better understand the new media technologies being used by the young people of today, and to thereby influence and challenge the long-term programming of media arts organisations.

The project was a collaboration between folly and fellow arts organisations FACT, Cornerhouse, and Art Locates me, and the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Liverpool John Moores' University.  The project was part of enquire - an exciting national programme of projects that engage children and young people with galleries, the contemporary visual arts and artists.

The project developed in partnership with young people, fostering their independence and their ownership of the project, and supporting them to develop their ideas.

Phase One of the project involved activities for young people in Manchester and Liverpool, and a research project led by trainee teachers which is documented as a blog.

Working with artist Dan Fox, Phase Two saw a group of young people from across the Northwest lead the development of Body Language - two interactive body suits that trigger projected sounds and images. One of the aims for the young people was for the work to comment on how technology affects people's communication with each other.

The project culminated in the exhibition of two "Body Language" suits at FACT in Liverpool, at a follyplay event in Burnley and at Manchester's Cornerhouse.

14 year old participant Josh said “Virtual Lives has given me the opportunity to meet new people and broaden my knowledge and ability to work with new people. The project has helped me to understand that art doesn't have to be looking at paintings but something to touch and play with. One of the best parts for me has been the opportunity to have my say in what happens with the suit and what I wouldn't want the suit to be - for a young person it's good experience for the future and that will benefit me personally in the future”

The findings of this research are documented at the enquire website.

The enquire programme is funded jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Children, Families and Schools as part of the Strategic Commissioning Programme for Museum and Gallery Education, and by the Foyle Foundation. The enquire programme is managed by engage and has been developed in association with Arts Council England.