the central island digital creation hub
supporting artists to amplify their stories
The central island digital creation hub is available at The Old School Arts Centre (TOSH, located in Qualicum Beach) for FREE one-on-one and small-group sessions for creatives who want to learn or grow their tech skills. Read our press release here.
With the support of our digital presence coach Lys Glassford, you will have access to the tools needed to expand your creative skills and create content to get your art to a larger audience. This includes access to all that is needed to photograph artwork, make video content, create digital art through Adobe Fresco, record sound, and get your work online.
About
Artists are storytellers, sharing perspectives and ideas through their creations. Digital tools play a vital role in getting these stories out into the world. But not everyone’s stories are being heard because many creative people on Vancouver Island have limited access to technology.
We think one solution is to build little tech hubs throughout the region, especially in rural and remote areas. The Central Island Digital Creation Hub is a pilot project to test this concept.
The hub offers one-to-one and small-group sessions for creatives who want to learn or grow their tech skills. With the support of a digital coach, you can use the equipment to create all sorts of content, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and books, as well as take photographs of your artwork.
The Central Island Digital Creation Hub is located on unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples and the Qualicum First Nations, in Qualicum Beach, at The Old School House Arts Centre. It is staffed by digital presence specialist Lys Glassford. Funding is provided by the BC Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment will I have access to?
The Digital Creation Hub currently offers a variety of equipment to create content and digital art. You can take photos of your artwork (cameras, lighting, photography backdrop). There is also a digital scanner for small-scale artwork. Sound equipment, including podcasting equipment (soundboards and mics), are available to use. We have a range of computer equipment, including an iMac and iPad with the Adobe Suite installed (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Rush, and Fresco), and we also have a PC with Windows 11 for running podcasting equipment or other digital programs.
I have no technical knowledge, can I still use this space?
Yes, you can schedule as many meetings as you need with our digital coach.
I have technical knowledge, do I really need to meet with the coach?
You will need to complete a short orientation before using the space on your own.
If the staffed hours do not work with your schedule, please email info@theoldschoolhouse.org to chat with us directly.
How long is this program available?
This program is currently funded by the BC Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. While it's our goal to create more of these spaces throughout Vancouver Island, the availability of the program will be based on user needs and funding availability.
Be sure to schedule your appointment and take advantage of this pilot project as soon as possible.
Is there anything I should bring?
Please bring a USB to save and transport your digital work.
Where is the hub located?
The hub is located on the bottom level of TOSH Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach, BC.