NESTA: Storytelling in a digital age: how immersive entertainment can support childhood development (23 Feb)

https://www.nesta.org.uk/event/nesta-talks-to-dylan-yamada-rice/

https://www.nesta.org.uk/about-us/

From Teletubbies to Fortnite, the way children consume content has changed forever. What can the creative industries learn from the way children watch, listen and play in the new digital age and how might this understanding help the sector better support childhood development?

Dr Dylan Yamada-Rice, a Senior Lecturer in Immersive Storytelling at Manchester Metropolitan University, will share insights from her research into how far immersive storytelling and digital entertainment can support childhood development. Dylan will also share how the creative and media industry can collaborate with academia to generate new forms of content that support children outside of a formal education setting.

In this free online event, Dr Dylan Yamada-Rice will be in live conversation with Nesta’s Director of Creative Innovation, Deborah Fox, on 23 February 2023 12:00-13:00, discussing how creative studios and artists can work effectively with researchers, educators and young children to co-create entertaining and educational new content.

Why you should come

This event is for anyone working in the creative media space, including: broadcasters, film and TV makers and immersive studios. It will also be of interest to anyone working in education or with young people with a commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Deborah and Dylan will explore the opportunities and challenges of co-designing children’s content and share practical guidance on how creatives and academics can collaborate.

Dr Dylan Yamada-Rice

She/Her/They

Dr Dylan Yamada-Rice is a Senior Lecturer in Immersive Storytelling in the School of Digital Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research sits at the intersection of experimental design and social sciences, focusing on digital storytelling, games and play on a range of platforms such as apps, augmented and virtual reality, as well as new content for television, all with an emphasis on media for children. She is currently working on an AHRC-funded project looking at the future of emerging technologies in broadcast media and looking at howplay could help children cope with disasters.

Deborah Fox

She/Her

Deborah Fox leads Nesta's Arts practice. Working in partnership with creative and cultural organisations, she helps develop and test new ideas that address social challenges. Deborah has led a number of innovative programmes, including a research and development programme exploring the role of creatives in the development of immersive experiences that support mental health and wellbeing.