The PONToon project supports employability in women by developing their digital skills
An immersive online exhibition has launched, marking the culmination of the PONToon project, that aims to engage, support and upskill women in digital technologies to aid employment.
The three and a half year project, led by the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, has now supported over 1,600 women into training or employment in digital skills.
Produced by Project Assistants Hannah Buckingham, Sasha Damjanovic, Vera Hadzhiyska, Eleanor Harwood-Todd, Ellie Higgins and Alice Karsten, the exhibition showcases significant moments and inspiring resources achieved by partners, collaborators and beneficiaries over the course of the project.
Encouraging users to explore, watch, learn, play and journey, the exhibition created in partnership with Aspex, presents an interactive and accessible online experience, embodying the exciting and experimental use of digital technologies promoted by PONToon. Users can enjoy virtual symposiums, masterclasses and reflections on the project, including exploring the intersection between art and technology with collective Keiken, discovering coding through dance with Pell Ensemble and U Can Too, and navigating business growth with Flo Ayeyemi.
I have learnt so much. This is the first job of this kind that I have had [working] as a team to create something together. I feel so much more prepared for jobs in the future.
Looking to the future, the exhibition also houses new resources that foster digital autonomy and features original artwork by young women artists Ruth Alderton, Beth Ewen, and Keiken.
As well as providing visitors with an engaging and imaginative digital experience, the online exhibition has also enabled the Project Assistants to gain invaluable digital skills, including in graphic design, video editing and website development.
The University of Portsmouth is the lead partner in the €5.8 million PONToon (Partnership Opportunities using New Technologies fostering social and economic inclusion) project, funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Interreg France (Channel) England programme.