Artist Ann joined forces with Junction Arts and light artist Randall White to lead a workshop that blended creativity, technology and hands-on experimentation. Together, they introduced students to the world of digital art, sound, and light, showing how coding and digital tools can be powerful vehicles for self-expression.
For Ann, digital art is where her passions for creativity and technology meet.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technology,” Ann explains. “My background is in electronics and design, but digital art offered a space where I could combine both—using code, sound, and visuals to tell stories or create experiences. The fact that you can use digital tools to make something expressive and interactive really drew me in. It’s a space where there are fewer boundaries, and experimentation is part of the process.”
This philosophy was at the heart of the Belle Vue workshop. By stripping away jargon and encouraging play, Ann and Randall invited students to explore digital art in an accessible, engaging way.
“I always start with play,” Ann says. “When young people are having fun and experimenting without fear of getting it ‘wrong,’ they’re far more open to engaging. Once they realise that code can make music or visuals dance, or bring their ideas to life, they start to see themselves as artists, technologists, or makers. The key is showing that there’s no one way to be creative or technical.”
Bradford Digital Creatives aims to empower young people with digital skills while widening access to cultural and creative opportunities. This mission aligns closely with Ann’s values as both an artist and an educator.
“This project breaks down barriers,” she explains. “It shows that digital art and coding aren’t just for a certain type of person—they’re for everyone. It’s about widening access, building confidence, and creating real pathways into creative careers.”
For the students at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, the workshop wasn’t just about learning new tools. It was about discovering their own potential.
“I hope they left feeling more confident in their creativity and their ability to experiment,” Ann reflects. “Even more than technical skills, I want them to take away a sense that their ideas matter; and that they can use digital tools to express themselves, make change, or simply explore new interests. If they now see coding or digital art as something they can do, even if they’d never considered it before, then that’s a win.”
For any young person inspired by the session and curious about sound art, Ann’s advice is simple: start small, stay curious, and dive in.
“Start with what excites you—whether that’s music, gaming, field recordings, or storytelling. There are amazing free tools like Audacity, Makecode for Microbit, Sonic Pi and BeepBox. Don’t wait until you feel like an expert – just dive in, play, and share your work. Sound art is all about listening differently and expressing what you hear in your own way.”
You can catch Junction Arts at the National Science and Media Museum on Saturday 16 August, delivering a free digital arts workshop using microbits:
- 12.30–14.00
- 14.30–16.00
Sessions are ideal for families with children over 8 years old. No need to book, entry is included with your museum admission ticket.