New Carnival Hosts Digital Culture Network Training in Digital Content Creation with Dean Shaw

New Carnival Hosts Digital Culture Network Training in Digital Content Creation with Dean Shaw

Empowering Creatives: A Recap of the New Carnival Training Session with Dean Shaw

On December 9th, 2024, New Carnival hosted an enriching and dynamic training session led by Dean Shaw, Digital Video Content Tech Champion from the Digital Culture Network (DCN). Held on the island and attended by 24 creative professionals and representatives from a wide range of arts and cultural organizations, this event was not only informative but also a fantastic opportunity for networking and learning.

The session began with an introduction to the free support that the DCN offers to creative organizations and individual practitioners. Dean, with his wealth of experience in digital content creation, explained how the DCN provides guidance and hands-on support in all areas of digital engagement—from setting up online surveys and e-commerce platforms to enhancing websites, improving social media strategies, and ensuring digital accessibility. Attendees were excited to learn about the wide array of services available to help them boost their digital presence and streamline their operations.

Fuelled by delicious pastries from local favourite Pickle and Dill, Dean then focused on how to create fun, engaging, and authentic content that resonates with audiences. He emphasized that effective digital content doesn’t need to be perfect or high-budget—it just needs to tell a compelling story. Dean shared practical tips on how to connect with viewers, stay true to your creative voice, and use visuals to support the narrative. He also discussed the importance of consistency and authenticity in building an online presence that feels genuine.

After this insightful talk, the session shifted to a hands-on workshop, where participants learned to create engaging video content using apps like CapCut. Many attendees, who were self-confessed technophobes before the session, left feeling confident and excited to try editing videos on their own. Dean provided expert guidance as the group experimented with techniques like cutting, layering, and adding fun effects, all while staying true to their personal stories and creative expressions.

The event wrapped up with a well-deserved lunch, again provided by Pickle and Dill, offering a relaxed space for attendees to network, reflect on what they’d learned, and discuss ways to apply new skills to their projects. The positive energy in the room was palpable, with everyone eager to put their newfound knowledge into practice.

A special thanks goes to the Digital Culture Network for funding the session (and the delicious food!), making it possible for so many creatives to benefit from this experience. And of course, a big thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the success of the day. The feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive. Participants left feeling inspired, empowered, and much more confident in their ability to create engaging, real content that connects with their audience. This event not only strengthened the local creative community but also highlighted the value of accessible, hands-on support for arts and cultural organizations in the digital age.

Overall, the training session was a great success, thanks to the expertise of Dean Shaw, the support of the Digital Culture Network, and the delicious contributions from Pickle and Dill. It was an invaluable experience for all involved, and we look forward to seeing how the island’s creatives continue to use the skills they gained to produce engaging, authentic digital content.