On March 6 we met in Derry for three days of visits from which we learnt about many interesting initiatives in the fields of arts and social economy. 

The first presentation was provided by Kippie, a social company based in Derry committed to improving young people’s life choices and opportunities. Kippie’s mission is to meet the needs and expectations of the local community through the provision of education and training, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the population, working with young people with or without learning difficulties. Kippie teaches a range of transferable skills through the medium of mobile game design, manufacture and marketing, working with tangible social issues with young people. The Social Enterprise dimension is addressed by delivering tailor-made workshops which teach these skills, taking the youngsters from concept to market in the production of games for mobile phone.

The second presentation was from a Social Enterprise called UV Arts, a fun, dynamic non-profit enterprise and urban arts company that aims to meet the social needs of specific areas of Derry City, as well as the integration of young people at risk of social exclusion. UV Arts does projects of space rehabilitation using urban art such as graffiti. Their "street art projects" aim to educate, promote and change perceptions of public space via engaging and alternative street art, graffiti and contemporary mural arts projects. UV Arts uses art and public space in different ways to help create safe, neutral environments for youth to develop their skills while challenging negative perceptions of graffiti in society. 

On the second day (March7)  we visited various entities in Derry to present, discuss and share good practices in social innovation. Our aim was to analyse the possibility of transferring these practices to other places. 

Nerve Center / Fab Lab

The first visit was to the Nerve Center / Fab Lab. The Nerve Center is Northern Ireland's leading creative media arts centre. This thriving social economy enterprise employs more than 40 staff in Derry and Belfast. The primary objective of the project is the integration, formation, training and participation of the young citizens of Derry City in the cultural stimulation of the city. The Nerve Center offers facilities, equipment, training and funding needed to "produce culture", in this case music, teaching the community youth how to use urban creativity to enliven the area. 

Reuse Center

The second visit took us to the Reuse Center, a social economy project in partnership with Derry City, the Departments of the Environment and Social Development and the Strabane District Council and committed to European Waste Reduction Regulations. The primary purpose of this project is to recycle household items and generic brands to reduce the number of items going into landfills. Located in Derry, their mission is to reuse unwanted furniture and electrical goods and to upcycle these goods for resale. They thus provide the opportunity to develop skills among local people including individuals with disabilities, alcohol and drug problems and problems of alienation. 

Liberty Consortium

The third study visit took place at the Liberty Consortium (The Playtrail). The Playtrail aims to provide an inclusive approach to play and provide increased training and employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities. The Playtrail is currently used by a cross-section of organisations, both statutory and voluntary, as well as many youth clubs and schools. The facility also serves the broader community outside of school, remaining open during most holiday periods.