Vince’s virtual experience of immersive 3D and social enterprise in action

Business Secretary Vince Cable MP recently visited The University of Northampton...

Business Secretary Vince Cable MP recently visited The University of Northampton [Thursday 26 January] to learn more about the challenges faced by the creative industries sector and accompanying opportunities offered by social enterprises.

The Minister met with Uzma Johal and Barry Hale of Threshold Studios, a social enterprise and tenant of NVision, the 3D immersive Technology Centre based at the University's School of Science and Technology.

Along with NVision and academic staff, the group discussed how Threshold is working with the University to help ‘upskill’ graduates and identify talented people to ensure employers are connected with highly capable and technically advanced individuals.

Threshold’s previous work has included region-wide and national training linked to production initiatives for artists and media practitioners for 14 years. The organisation has recently curated and delivered ‘Frequency’, Lincoln’s first digital culture festival, showcasing the region’s talent alongside international work.

Threshold is currently working with the University on a number of initiatives, including collaborating with artists in the NVision lab to create new 3D artworks for international exhibition.

The University of Northampton's is aiming to become the leading higher education institution for social enterprises in the UK by 2015 by supporting its students and other organisations that benefit society. Its work with organisations such as Threshold is growing rapidly.

The Minister also entered the NVision 3D ActiveCube, a facility part-funded by ERDF* for an immersive experience of how 3D technology can be deployed to communicate ideas more effectively, eliminate design errors and cost, and significantly reduce the time taken to deliver new products into the market.

Speaking about their relationship with NVision and the University, Barry Hale of Threshold said: “There are some really exciting opportunities for the creative media industries to work with Universities on the arts and technology agenda. We are looking forward to collaborating with The University of Northampton on some dynamic initiatives around 3D and upskilling for the sector.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice chancellor of The University of Northampton, added: “We were very pleased to welcome a politician of the calibre of Vince Cable to The University of Northampton to discuss some of the latest developments in ongoing work around the creative industries and social enterprise.”