Zach is one of the talented artists working with young people as part of Bradford Digital Creatives, a pilot programme empowering over 1,600 young people to tell their stories through digital artforms. In a recent conversation with the team, Zach reflected on his experience so far—from seeing sparks of curiosity flicker to witnessing genuine moments of joy and discovery.
“If you give them an opportunity where it’s impossible to fail—and they’re not being judged—then a lot of the time, it’ll just be amazing.”
It’s a simple philosophy, but a powerful one. For Zach, working with teenagers—particularly those who may not see themselves as “creative”—is all about creating a space where play, experimentation, and collaboration can thrive. His workshops mix tactile, hands-on experiences with technology in ways that feel fresh and inclusive. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Digital Arts as a Social Connector
Zach’s work often explores the intersection of technology, environment, and movement—and he sees digital art not just as a tool for creation, but for connection.
“We’re interested in how digital can be social. How it brings people together physically, to build a community.”
That focus on togetherness is core to Bradford Digital Creatives, where artwork is co-created by young people and a diverse team of local and national artists. The programme aims to introduce students to a range of digital artforms—from audio storytelling to projection mapping and interactive installations—while building confidence, skills, and aspirations for creative careers.
“There’s no escaping the digital world—and there shouldn’t be. But how we use it, how we come together around it—that’s where the real opportunity lies.
“If we can pay attention to how digital experiences can take place with other people in ‘real life’ and how we can collaborate and make it a social activity that brings people physically together we can see how digital can play a part in our lives positively.”
Encouraging Curiosity and Confidence
In his workshops, Zach encourages students to get involved, even when they don’t fully understand the tools or technology. Sometimes that means simplifying things—like offering just a few sound frequencies to explore rather than an overwhelming number of option—sand sometimes it means letting them lead the learning themselves.
“If they answer the questions, the knowledge is coming from the whole room. You’re democratising the experience.”
Whether he’s working with five-year-olds or college students, Zach’s approach is rooted in respect, trust, and shared discovery. He recalls seeing surprise and delight as students heard their own sounds, saw them visualised, and watched their ideas come to life. It’s in those moments, he says, that real learning—and confidence—begins.
The Power of Process
When asked what he hopes young people take away from his sessions, Zach doesn’t hesitate:
“The process of learning is more important than the end result.”
It’s a message that resonates deeply with Bradford Digital Creatives’ ethos—encouraging exploration, supporting creative risk-taking, and celebrating the journey as much as the outcome.
Zach also offers some advice to any young person curious about a creative career: just start. Make things. Try things. Show up to events. Ask questions. Be brave.
“You don’t have to get it right. Failure is most of life. But that’s where learning—and the best creativity—happens.”