THE VAULT DIGITAL HUB
Date: May 2021 - March 2022
Funded by: Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council - Back to Business Grant
Project Manager: Jon Betts
The Vault is a high-specification Digital Hub located in The Bank Arts Centre's original basement-level strong room. Officially opened in 2022, this community asset was established to provide rural access to industry standard digital skills training for adults and young people.
The project was developed through comprehensive community surveys identified the significant need for engaging social activities which minimise the time spent isolated using digital technology at home, and need for facilities providing access to non-curriculum digital skills - particularly after the devastating impact from the national Covid-19 lockdowns on both mental health and learning.
In 2021, Eyes Open CIC (The Bank Arts Centre) was awarded funding from Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council Back to Business Grant to convert the existing basement strong room into a dedicated, high-specification digital studio for community use.
The facilities provide inclusive digital and personal skills development opportunities for all; generate interest in digital skills; access to industry standard equipment, software and training; employment and volunteering opportunities for community members and support The Bank to improve financial sustainability.
Since opening in March 2022, The Vault has provided learning opportunities for over 900 young people across Mid-Suffolk.
Read more about our project Digital Skills for Young People here.
Find out more about The Vault conversion project below -
Date: May 2021 - March 2022
Funded by: Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council - Back to Business Grant
Project Manager: Jon Betts
The Vault is a high-specification Digital Hub located in The Bank Arts Centre's original basement-level strong room. Officially opened in 2022, this community asset was established to provide rural access to industry standard digital skills training for adults and young people.
The project was developed through comprehensive community surveys identified the significant need for engaging social activities which minimise the time spent isolated using digital technology at home, and need for facilities providing access to non-curriculum digital skills - particularly after the devastating impact from the national Covid-19 lockdowns on both mental health and learning.
In 2021, Eyes Open CIC (The Bank Arts Centre) was awarded funding from Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council Back to Business Grant to convert the existing basement strong room into a dedicated, high-specification digital studio for community use.
The facilities provide inclusive digital and personal skills development opportunities for all; generate interest in digital skills; access to industry standard equipment, software and training; employment and volunteering opportunities for community members and support The Bank to improve financial sustainability.
Since opening in March 2022, The Vault has provided learning opportunities for over 900 young people across Mid-Suffolk.
Read more about our project Digital Skills for Young People here.
Find out more about The Vault conversion project below -
The Bank's strong room is a unique yet under-used basement space - In 2021, the potential of the space was recognised and approvals granted to convert the space in to a digital hub - becoming the first step in The Bank's current re-generation. Funding from BMSDC allowed the renovation of the space as well as purchase and installation of initial equipment.
The Hub is equipped with 8 networked high specification pcs, 165Hz refresh rate monitors, GTX 1650 graphic cards, X Box controllers, graphic tablets, music recording interfaces, 3D printer, 2 TV monitors, air conditioning and adjustable LED lighting.
This significant investment matured into a valuable asset for the community which now provides opportunities including -
The Vault Digital Hub has supported the economic recovery of both Eyes Open CIC and local economy by digital upskilling and job creation; provides volunteering and work experience for local young people; host both industry standard digital training and basic business and digital literacy skills and built a growing network of industry professionals and tutors to support skills learning
The Hub is equipped with 8 networked high specification pcs, 165Hz refresh rate monitors, GTX 1650 graphic cards, X Box controllers, graphic tablets, music recording interfaces, 3D printer, 2 TV monitors, air conditioning and adjustable LED lighting.
This significant investment matured into a valuable asset for the community which now provides opportunities including -
- Digital skills learning opportunities for 8 to 17 year olds including advanced computer game making, coding, 3D modelling, video and sound editing, animation, web and graphic design
- The Vault and Main Hall are available for sound recording and editing hire. Suitable for local musicians. Professional equipment available. Local sound engineer available if you need support.
- Affordable 3D printing service for objects up to 256mm x 256mm x 256mm. Capable of printing PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA and reinforced materials such as PLA-CF, PETG-CF/GF.
The Vault Digital Hub has supported the economic recovery of both Eyes Open CIC and local economy by digital upskilling and job creation; provides volunteering and work experience for local young people; host both industry standard digital training and basic business and digital literacy skills and built a growing network of industry professionals and tutors to support skills learning
