Electric project sparks sheltered tenants’ creativity

Published by Jean Clarke for Liverpool Mutual Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Sheltered housing tenants in Liverpool are creating 21^st Century digital art as part of project to combat social and technological exclusion among elderly tenants.

Liverpool Mutual Homes’ (LMH) Electric Blanket scheme is a stimulating form of inclusion, providing a platform for under-represented voices to be heard and for untapped creativity to be seen and shared.

In partnership with Tenantspin and the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT), all 17 of LMH’s supported schemes have been busy using film, video, photography, audio and digital media to create the Electric Blanket - a rich electronic quilt made up of individual pieces of digital art created by individual residents and groups.

The finishing touches are now being made to the artwork with HIVE - an electronic music and digital arts production team - before it is showcased in an exhibition at FACT in March.

The final piece will also be taken on a tour of LMH’s sheltered schemes.

Tenants are encouraged to tell the story of an important event in their life, to celebrate their part in historic events and to express themselves and reflect on both the serious and humorous sides of life.

Part of the project saw LMH residents displaying memories and images on the fifth floor of the iconic Lewis’s store in Liverpool prior to its closure in late 2010. The store had prominence in the lives of many generations of people in Liverpool and tenants’ recollections played a fitting part in the closure celebrations.

Individuals also contribute photographs, memorabilia, songs and phrases to the blanket that have a special meaning for them.

The project enables participants to make connections across the city with other residents and share experiences. Those who take part are also given access to classes which give them practical tuition in computing such as downloading and uploading web content.

Chief Executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “The Electric Blanket explores new areas of creative participation and innovation and it addresses very important issues like community cohesion, social exclusion, technological exclusion and citizenship.

“It is a stimulating form of inclusion and it provides a platform for under-represented voices to be heard and for untapped creativity to be seen and shared.

“More and more information is moving online so it is really important that we look at how older people can access it, whether it is for recreational purposes like contacting friends and family on Skype or for more serious matters like keeping on top of finances.

“The Electric Blanket is an exciting new media project which engages tenants and helps them to embrace digital mediums that are less accessible to the elder generation, particularly those who are living in supported accommodation.”

Involvement in the Electric Blanket is also a gateway for residents to explore a range of other digital activities including exclusive film screenings and educational talks by directors, silver surfing (PC and Skype) tutorials, a DVD club, a successful Nintendo Wii bowling tournament involving 14 teams, and taking part in FACT events.

The project has been shortlisted for a Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) award and will learn if it has been successful at a ceremony next month.

The Electric Blanket is part of a much wider ranging Digital Manifesto which aims to give elderly citizens access to the digital world. The Government is committed to ending digital illiteracy and has identified that 10 million people in the UK lack basic digital skills.

Photograph: Tenants enjoy workshops as they create the Electric Blanket.