Skills are Key

At Lowtech we started by wanting to get involved with information technology at no cost. We did so, but that prompted us to ask why PCs that, just two years previously, were the latest thing, were given to us as worthless trash. We realised that skills are the key. Most computer users don't ever get beyond knowing how to use the applications and the operating system that their employer, or a high-street computer company, provides them with. We've been able to build an advanced newtork with a multimedia online lab from machines that other people judged to be rubbish. How? By gaining skills to unlock the hidden potential of machines that are readily, universally available. Skills that some conventional software companies and PC manufacturers would really rather we didn't have.

We're committed to passing on our free technology skills, and encouraging other people to make use of them. At Access Space we run short workshops for individuals, and host events, presentations and exhibitions which encourage Access Space users to learn from each other. We work with community groups, educational organisations and companies to devise workshops, seminars and learning sessions either in Access Space, or at their own location.

Our most ambitious learning proposition is to "Grow Your Own Media Lab!" We have, and you can, too. The capital cost will be next-to-nothing, but you'll need commitment, a willingness to learn, and some way to support a small group of you over an extended period to make the thing happen. In our experience, the toughest thing to sort out is accessible premises. Several projects in mainland Europe have sprung up in recent years, some of which have been directly inspired by our lead. We're currently working with two organisations in the UK to set up their own sustainable media labs, in Lancaster and Birmingham.