Creativity Lab
SIGN connects companies, support agencies and universities through a programme of training, business development, research and evaluation. To support this work, SIGN has teamed up with the University of York Library to establish the Creativity Lab.
Based in the Harry Fairhurst Building, within the main Library on Campus West, the Creativity Lab is open to businesses, academics and students. Our well-equipped facility provides you with opportunities to play with and learn about emerging technologies within the screen industries.
We offer events and training sessions including introductory kit workshops, providing opportunities to get to grips with new technology. Our masterclasses and residences allow in-depth exploration of a specific area of digital creativity and the chance to apply new skills and training under the guidance of industry experts.
Creativity Lab events and training
Every Monday, the Lab doors are open for University of York staff and students to drop in and get digitally creative. These drop-in sessions allow you to access our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to work on your research or project, for the development of creative ideas, or just to have fun and learn more about emerging technology. For those looking for a more supported session, our DigiCreate sessions which take place on alternate Fridays, 10am - 1pm, offer an opportunity to access technical guidance and support from industry experts.
Facilities
The Lab features 16 high-end gaming workstations, with access to Virtual Reality (VR) equipment and headphones. The workstations are equipped with a range of creative editing software and access to game engines like Unreal and Unity. A wide selection of equipment is also available that allows you to explore Augmented Reality (AR), 3D design, podcasting, 360 filming and recording, plus much more.
Equipment Hire
Our equipment is free to hire for University of York staff and businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Equipment is available to use, with support from the Creativity Lab team of technical experts. It may also be possible to facilitate use outside of the Lab – please contact us at lib-creativitylab@york.ac.uk to discuss options further. Hire is free of charge. We require the equipment to be insured up to the purchase price before loaning and an equipment hire agreement must be in place. We will discuss this with you when you enquire.
Podcasting
Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just have content ideas that you're curious to develop, our podcasting suite offers a spacious and functional space for you to record and host your podcast. The space (LFA/131) is based on the first floor of the Harry Fairhurst Building in the main JB Morrell Library on Campus West at the University of York. The Space is available for University of York staff and students to book and utilise every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am - 4pm.
Want to up your skill level? Our training sessions regularly cover podcasting too.
Our podcasting space hosts a variety of high-spec equipment:
- Rode Podcaster Pro 2 mixing desk
- Laptop with Reaper and Audacity installed (connected to mixing desk)
- 2x Shure MV7 Microphone
- 1x Rode microphone
- Pop shields for microphones
