Futurising

What's the thinking behind Knack?

Knack is an interdisciplinary student-led project from the Faculty of Media at LCC that creates an opportunity for students to learn from one another while creating a holistic series of media events and packages. Part of the experience is to recognise and evaluate the challenges that a team of people who have not worked together before, and come from different disciplines, might face. It gives us a chance to work together, which is a fantastic experience for real-life employment, while helping the college understand the possible implications of organising interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Who's behind it?

The Knack concept was developed by MA Publishing director Desmond O’Rourke, as a way of road testing interdisciplinary student projects. O’Rourke now leads the project, with other course directors lending support. The people actually running Knack are students studying publishing, public relations and journalism. Though these people remain at the core of the project, we have expanded to include students from other programmes as well. As the magazine and live publishing event grew and more content was commissioned, we’ve recruited students from the MA Interactive Media and MA Photojournalism programmes.

 

Who's it for?

Knack is placed at the core of Futurising, a two-day festival supporting the career development of students and graduates in the creative fields. Knack invites Futurising attendees to express who they are while participating in the creation of an interactive digital magazine and blog. Participants will have an opportunity to display their talents and contribute ideas and works to a larger audience.

 

Open access computer points will encourage a multi-media approach to career networking, and attendees will also have the opportunity to create “video business cards” for themselves using the Video Booth. A live feed from the video booth will be projected onto a nearby wall, and the taped material may be used on the Knack at Futurising blog, and in the digital edition of Knack magazine.

 

What's the purpose of the video booth?

The video booth is a tiny, 1m squared private space that will provide a fun, interactive way for students and graduates to express themselves and their work. The booth will allow them to get creative, making a video business card for themselves, the idea being "two minutes to sell yourself." The filming is silent, but there are no parameters, so participants are free to enjoy the space, whether it’s showing an eye for style, an extensive knowledge of literary references or some killer dance moves!

 

What makes Knack different?

It is an entirely progressive way of learning in which a lot can be gained from the various successes and failures within the project. It is inevitable that bringing together students from different perspectives and approaches will come with its fair share of problems, but everyone involved is committed to interpreting these and overcoming them. While studying it is so easy to become immersed in your own circle, without breaking out; this project is a fantastic opportunity to work with talented people from other disciplines!

 

The live aspect is also really interesting. Lots of graduate events are nothing more than a series of stalls from various employers, which is often daunting and tiresome. Knack is offering a practical way for attendees to give live feedback and present themselves in unique ways outside of the traditional handshake and ‘brief bit about myself' routine. Graduates have never had it tougher. We’ve been labeled by some as the 'lost generation' and it’s about time we started defining how we want our futures to look.

 

What can be expected from Knack?

In addition to the video booth, Knack will be distributing its free print magazine. We'll also be blogging about Futurising, live from the Shack. Additionally, we're commissioning reporters to gather content throughout the two days. This will include a series of reviews and summaries of speakers, as well as video and written interviews.

 

What will you be doing at FUTURISING?

Probably running around making sure everything is going smoothly! It’s been stressful, but I’ve already learnt a lot. It actually hasn’t been too scary though. We’ve become such a close team, so I’ve always known that I’ve got great support, and everyone is willing to step in when problems arise.

 

What has your experience been like working on Knack?

Knack at the Shack project has been the biggest, but the most rewarding challenge I’ve experienced this year. Within a short given timeframe myself and a bunch of students from courses had to come up with a concept for celebrating creative minds. Although the scope of the project seemed big, multidisciplinary team proved to be helpful in overcoming any challenges.

 

And finally, what do you have a knack for?

Multitasking, if you can call it a knack?

 

 

Words: Kate Rintoul/ Images: Christian Anderson

 

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