New Media Awards 2007 Atos Origin

tenantspin

http://www.tenantspin.org

Nominated in Information and openness award category.

tenantspin is a Liverpool-based community-driven Internet TV project funded by Arena Housing Association and co-managed by Arena Housing and FACT(Foundation for Art & Creative Technology). In existence for over 7 years, the project is developed and produced by social housing residents, the majority of whom are over 50. Residents are trained in studio management, production, research and presentation. Tenantspin has completed over 400 live broadcasts and has an archive with over 450 hours of broadcast material. Put simply tenantspin is a webcasting Channel with live chat-room facility that enables excluded citizens to partake in democratic and cultural processes and the project has travelled to New York, Denmark, Germany, Dublin to showcase work, and nationally to London, Norwich, Cardiff, Edinburgh etc. Subjects covered include, FAITH, E-Democracy, the environment, politics etc, creating a transparent forum in which to make decisions and discuss opinions.

1 nomination from readers

  • tenantspin is a unique project that respects the contribution to be made to tomorrow’s society by those over 50. With a state of the art website and training residents in the latest web streaming technology, tenantspin is a cutting edge and leading pioneer in the field of new media social engaged practice.

    A sustainable project emerging from a 6-month pilot in 1999 in Liverpool’s oldest tower block, Coronation Court, tenantspin has been working closely with residents of Liverpool for several years now, with a purpose built studio housed within a local Community Centre as well as dedicated space within a cutting edge New Media Arts Organisation. The studios allow residents to broadcast information directly into the televisions of the residents in the surrounding tower blocks. In addition to this, every tenantspin broadcast is streamed across the Internet and watched by a worldwide audience.

    Tackling issues such as Healthy Living and Energy Saving by promoting them in new and interesting ways. Collaborations with local Dance groups and cookery shows with local Chef’s mean tenants are provided with relevant and crucial information in a way that is fun to take part in.

    All of these activities sit alongside tenantspin’s longstanding cultural program in which tenants are invited to participate in such international events as the Liverpool Biennial and collaborate with the cream of worldwide new media artists. Tenantspin will also be a leading contributor to Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year, 2008 and has exhibited in two Liverpool Biennials.

    I think tenantspin should be considered for the Award for its commitement to working with an age range that traditionally has a very poor relationship with new media technology. The project is sustainable and has become a prominent figure in Liverpools Cultural landscape. Representing a unique collaboration between an leading Arts Organisation, a Housing Association and the residents, tenantspin has very distinct stakeholders. Using tenantspin as a platform on which to discuss, debate and make decisions, the project represents a complete committment to E-Democracy. A leader and an innovator but also community driven, tenantspin is a special project with a strong history and an even brighter future.

    Nominated by Patrick Fox, 21 March 2007