Tea, Toast and TechNology

So far the project has set up a Project Steering Group (50 percent of whom are older particiants), commissioned a digital artist, worked with three (of the six) groups of older people who have produced over thirty pieces of digital artwork, launched the T3 web site, set up a 'half way' exhibition in three venues. Since the Project Steering Group was set up older members have been: photographed and included in the Arts Council's Annual Report, recorded for Camelot's national radio advertising campaign for the Lottery, interviewed live on Radio, given a presentation at a European Conference in Rochdale, hosted a meeting with a Community Arts Manager interested in the project over from Japan and launched the T3 web site. Alondside the tangible achievements of the project such as the artwork and the web site the project has also succeeded in inspiring, motivating and building the confidence of the older people involved. At a feedback session two particpants were asked to comment on what they felt the project has achieved so far. Below are their direct quotes: "T3 gives older people the chance to see what computers can do. It generates enthusiasm to take part, to think about the relationship between 'art' and computers. It enables you to create images from everyday objects. T3 has given people new experiences and expectations, people have come out of their shell and for the first time started working together. Being on the Project Steering Group has made me more positive, we're Not waffling along we're doing something, thinking ahead, it's a genuine project. The exhibition is going to be shown to a lot of people so it's got to be first class." Connie Rawson (aged 80) "Some of us have worked for 28 years and we feel as if we're just beginning to live. Before, with work and the family there was No time to think about anything else outside. What the computer does with the image is a miracle. But the ral miracle is what YOU can do withthe computer." Min Larby (aged 68) T3 has a representative from each group on the Project Steering Group this way all participants can feed back how they think the project is progressing.