News: London calls for Apollo Creative team

A set of bespoke bubble tubes designed and built at a Knaresborough technology park have been on display in one of the world’s most famous department stores.

They were created by the team of just three specialists at Apollo Creative, based on Manse Lane in Knaresborough, for the launch of a new Clarins product at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London.

Ben Johnson, product specialist at Apollo, said: “The bubble tubes are generally for sensory rooms, but we have also worked with shops and exhibition installations in the past.

“It was great to be invited to work with a prestigious brand like Clarins, especially in such an iconic department store.”

Apollo Creative was approached by design4retail on behalf of Clarins at the end of 2012, when the project was being planned. The design of the display area meant the bubble tubes needed to be twice as large as the standard design made by Apollo Creative and the related equipment, such as the lighting and the air pump, also had to be adapted to work properly with a larger installation.

“By the time the order came through, we only had about ten days to get everything ready to go,” said Ben. “Luckily, they had given us some of the fittings from the display so we could see how the tubes and all the related equipment could go together and make sure everything was perfect before it was sent down to London.”

The Clarins display has just been taken down after being in place for seven weeks, which Ben said was an unusually long time for a promotional installation. He hopes the work being on show in such a high-profile position for a long period will lead to similar projects in the future for the small but ambitious team at Apollo Creative.

News: Yorkshire firm aims to up its game

If you enjoy playing video games you’ll already be familiar with the satisfaction to be had from a slick move which defeats your enemy, wins you a race or scores a spectacular goal.

But imagine if that same controller or game pad had the power to change the environment around you – lighting, sound, image and video.

A small firm Yorkshire-based firm already has and, as a result, people with severe learning or physical disabilities have been able to enjoy control over their environment or the pleasure of playing music - simply by applying pressure on the buttons on a games console controller.

Frode playing the Xbox Controller

The familiar wireless Xbox controller is incorporated into Apollo Creative’s Ensemble technology which also employs other sensors, switches and pressure pads to trigger sounds or images linked to a theme of the user’s choosing.

“It could be outer space or the rainforest; a musical performance or interactive storytelling session; it really does depend on the images or sounds available as a resource,” said Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred. “One of the advantages of the Ensemble software is that it’s adaptable and easy to change.”

Often young people with physical disabilities can be put-off by the specialist equipment which can appear to be too childish or emphasise their differences. However, the games controller comes with an inbuilt 'cool' factor, plus the fact that it’s often already familiar.

“We’ve seen youngsters master simple tunes with the controller – and derive a great deal of pleasure from it,” said Mr Hildred.

“I recently encountered a young man who had a very severe physical disability and only really had control over his head movement. With careful positioning of the controller he was able to play the joystick using his chin. In fact he was the best player we met that day, easily out performing the more able bodied performers.”

The Ensemble package has already helped the company reach the final of the ICT Special Educational Needs Solutions category at the British Educational Training & Technology (Bett) Awards in London at the end of the month (Jan 30 – Feb 1), and Mr Hildred has confirmed 2013 could see Apollo widening its appeal in the broader education sector.

“We primarily supply Ensemble equipment to the special needs market, but have a number of situations where it's used in mainstream settings including a pilot project to introduce nursery children to music,” said Mr Hildred.

“We’re hoping the Bett Show and awards in London gives us a platform to promote the concept. The audience will be representing education providers from around the globe so it’s a massive opportunity for us – and we need to make sure we grab it with both hands.

“If you’re serious about learning a musical instrument, then there’s no substitute for the real thing - but let’s say your objective is just to pique the interest of a class of children or to teach them the rudiments of music.

“Wouldn’t it be great if you could hand them something they’re probably already familiar with and associate with fun?”

News: Apollo Creative in line for national award

A Yorkshire company which designs and manufactures technology which allows children with disabilities to express themselves through movement has been named as a national finalist at a prestigious industry awards ceremony to be held next month.

Apollo Ensemble allows children with physical or learning difficulties to transform their body movements into sound, light, images and video and can be used for music-making, in sensory environments or for interactive story-telling.

Invented by Apollo Creative, based on Manse Lane in Knaresborough, the equipment has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ICT Special Educational Needs Solutions category of the British Educational Training & Technology Awards (Bett).

“The beauty of Apollo Ensemble is that it can be adapted for any user, no matter how limited their range of movement. It can be configured so that even the twitch of a finger can have significant audio or visual results,” explained creative director Mark Hildred.

“For schools working with children with a wide range of disabilities this is a real benefit. The system is portable too, so it can be taken wherever it’s needed.”

Apollo Creative has worked with establishments such as The Dales School at Morton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire, and KidsOut, a national charity which helps disadvantaged children.

Mr Hildred hopes the Bett Award nomination will help take Apollo Ensemble out to an even wider audience.

“Ensemble is really versatile – it can be integrated into classroom learning for group use or geared to an individual, which is why schools find it so useful,” he said. “We’re delighted the selection panel has recognised its advantage and have our fingers crossed for the final judging.”

The Bett Awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in London.

The Bett Awards are considered to be the most prestigious in the education sector, and are committed to celebrating a distinctive and diverse digital education resources market that meets the needs of the education system.

Event director with organisers i2i Events Group, Debbie French, said: “It is the quality of these products and services that helps to maintain the UK’s position as the leader in the use of technology in education.

“The specific nature of each individual child’s learning requirements means judging the products and services entered into the Bett Awards is possibly the most challenging of any award programme. This year we have been astounded by the levels of innovation in the judged products.”

Director of the British Educational Suppliers Association and chairman of the judging panel, Caroline Wright, added: “Despite schools now realising they do have strong available budgets, teachers are becoming more shrewd in assessing the aptness of products for their specific needs.

“Products therefore need to be of the highest standard to ensure that, aside from the initial purchase price, the total cost of ownership is low. This is what the judges have identified; products that offer the highest quality and are fit for purpose.

“These Bett Award finalists are certainly companies that schools can safely consider to be amongst the best available.”

News: Technology helps student to tune in

A student’s investigation into the effects of interactive sound displays has been given a helping hand from technology supplied by a Knaresborough company.

Marie Tueje used equipment provided by Apollo Creative as part of her final project for her MA in sound design at the University of York, looking into how people interact with displays in museums.

Young visitors get to grips with Apollo Ensemble, creating 
“soundscapes” by sitting on a bench at the National Railway Museum in York

Marie created an interactive bench which emitted sound effects and clips depending on how many people were sitting on it.

“The project was called Immovable Transition, so the idea was that users would take a journey without moving,” she said.

“We had recorded soundscapes of trains, engines, announcements and things like that.

“We also used some voiceover recording snippets – broken up and disrupted texts that would come in every so often. They were drawn from users’ experiences.”

The equipment Marie used was Apollo Ensemble, a piece of technology which is more frequently used in schools to help children with special needs to interact with their environment. It can pick up on a range of different movements allowing the children to create light, sound, video and other effects.

In this case, the technology was installed on a bench at the National Railway Museum in York, where trigger pads on the seat meant visitors could interact with the sounds. Marie said it particularly appealed to older people who needed a rest during their trip to the museum, but who could stay with their families as they played on the bench, rather than being left behind.

Initially, Marie had not planned to carry out any practical work. When her tutor suggested she should, Apollo stepped in to make sure Marie could get the results she needed to complete her work.

“I got real feedback on my ideas and it was really interesting in terms of user experience and how that influences their relationship to what they were hearing,” she said.

“Just being able to take something that was theoretical and realise it in a practical setting and test it and get feedback was really useful.”

Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred said: “Ensemble has been used in museums before, but it was great to be involved in a research project this time. 

“When Marie got in touch to ask if we could help her, I was keen to do whatever I could to bring her theories to life and I’m pleased it has paid off.”

To see Marie’s work in action, visit http://vimeo.com/49753540.

News: Bubble stream bursts onto gym scene

Yorkshire’s newest sport and fitness centre could be setting a trend when the state-of-the-art premises open next week.

Bubble tubes supplied by Knaresborough-based Apollo Creative have been incorporated into the cycling area at the £9m York Sport Village, designed by The Ideas Group of York, called in to develop innovative concepts inside the new building.

An artist's impression of the cycling area

The company has already used Apollo Creative’s interactive water features in other projects around the UK, including retail environments and exhibitions.

However, the floor-to-ceiling bubble tubes in the new sport village are thought to be a first in the region’s gyms, giving users of the cycling machines something inspiring to look at as they try to emulate the feats of Britain’s world-beating cycling greats.

“We thought bubble tubes would work well in this case – and we will be developing the idea further by connecting them to technology which will reward users of the cycling machines by changing the bubbles’ behaviour to reflect their level of effort,” said The Ideas Group MD, Nick Townend.

“If that works well, who knows; we could be onto a concept which other fitness centres would like to consider.”

Apollo Creative’s Mark Hildred added: “Bubble tubes are mainly seen in sensory settings, but they always prove a popular attraction to people of all ages.

“We were really excited when Nick first approached us about the Sports Village concept, especially as I've spent many an hour pedalling away on a bike in the gym. I can see this being a popular feature and can't wait to work on developing it further."

The York Sport Village has been developed in partnership between the University of York, Sport England and the City of York Council with the stated aim of inspiring everyone to embrace active lifestyles and encourage exercise and participation in sport at every level by providing first-class facilities, services and development programmes designed to aid improvement.

News: Sound investment opens doors for York charity

More children with serious illnesses and disabilities will be able to express themselves through music thanks to a partnership between a York-based charity and a technology company based in Knaresborough.

Apollo Creative specialises in developing systems which transform body movements into sound, light, image and video, maximising the users’ abilities by detecting a wide range of gestures, allowing the system to be used for music making, sensory environments and interactive stories.

The Wakefield Music Service in West Yorkshire has now invested in Apollo’s latest equipment but, rather than disposing of their older accessible music technology kit, managers agreed to donate it to York-based Jessie’s Fund, which works with children’s hospices all over the UK.

Set up in memory of nine-year-old Jessica George - who died of a brain tumour in 1994 - the charity will choose a hospice to benefit from the donation after circulating details of the equipment to those who may be interested in giving it a new home.

Lesley & Mark with some of the donated kit

“Many of us take interacting with others for granted but, for some with speech problems or with physical disabilities, it can be extremely difficult,” said Jessie’s mum and charity founder, Lesley Schatzberger.

“For them, the world is not about doing but about having things done for them which can be massively frustrating. Having control over sound or music is extremely therapeutic as it gives them a chance to communicate and participate.”

The Apollo Ensemble equipment heading for Wakefield includes wireless games console handsets, adapted so they can be “played” as musical instruments, used to trigger sound effects or change images on display screens.

But whole orchestras, more simple sounds and even lights and images can also be conjured up by the wave or squeeze of a hand or the use of pressure pads, giving Ensemble users with limited movement similar levels of control.

Wakefield Music Services has invested in Ensemble as a powerful tool to engage young people with special needs in high-quality, accessible music making.

“We had a demonstration of the system in March and were impressed by how easy the Ensemble system is to use,” said Senior Officer for Music for Wakefield, Geraldine Gaunt. “It’s a brilliant way to make music lessons more inclusive and we’re certain it will be a valuable addition to our resources.”

Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred added he was delighted to see Jessie’s Fund benefit from the investment in Wakefield.

“It's great when we can help two groups of children in one go. The older equipment will really benefit a hospice that has not previously had access to this kind of technology. It's a programme were hoping to extend to other organisations.”

News: Apollo Mission Inspires Gardening Gurus

Thousands of visitors at one of the nation’s best-known flower shows will be able to enjoy innovative products made by a Knaresborough firm – although not in their usual environment.

Apollo Creative designs and manufactures equipment for use by organisations which work with youngsters with special educational needs – and bubble tubes are often used for mental and visual stimulation.

However, from July 3, some of the company’s products will be an integral part of one of the garden designs on show at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

A Corner of the World

The display - A Corner of the World - has been designed with the needs of an autistic child in mind and incorporates ten Apollo bubble tubes.

“Our garden design is primarily aimed for use by autistic children, providing them with an escape from the outside world or a quiet corner where they can take the time out they need,” said gold-medal-winning co-designer of the garden, Nick Buss.

“The key elements include a hollow oak tree, bubble tubes and other sensory equipment, while plants in the garden have been chosen for their subtle colours and scents.”

He added: “With stimulation at the forefront of our design aims, we really wanted to find some bubble tubes for outdoor use but they were proving so difficult to source – until we spoke to another designer who’d been helped by Apollo Creative.

“Apollo’s bubble tubes helped us achieve the garden we wanted to make. We really couldn’t have done it without them.”

Apollo Creative designs and manufactures a range of bubble tubes for use in a wide variety of environments, from traditional areas such as sensory rooms through to point-of-sale (POS) applications and exhibitions, providing a unique focal point.

All the company’s tubes are based on high-brightness, low-maintenance LEDs. Pumps are designed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week so they can be used for displays as well as in sensory environments.

Tubes are built to order at the company’s Knaresborough base so custom sizes and specifications are available on request.

Lindsay's garden at Malvern

And it’s not the first time Apollo has found its products used for garden design. In 2011, graduate landscape designer Lindsay Warwick used bubble tubes to represent test tubes in her design Chemistry – All That Matters to celebrate the UNESCO Year of Chemistry, which won bronze at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show.

Managing director, Mark Hildred said: “We're always looking for new ways to develop our products and couldn't resist the fantastic design put forward by Nick for the garden at RHS Hampton Court.

“Following on from the Bronze Award garden by Lindsay Warwick at last years RHS Malvern, this year we're hoping for a gold!”

“The sensory garden can stimulate so many different senses and we hope it will have a life after the show as inspiration for a new generation of outdoor spaces.”

News: "All that matters..." is gardening!

The Malvern Spring Gardening Show opened today, with a Show Garden designed by Lindsay Warwick featuring Apollo Creative bubble tubes.

Lindsay is a graduate landscape designer who was shortlisted for the Chris Beardshaw Scholarship. 'Atom' is the theme for this years scholarship gardens, celebrating the UNESCO year of Chemistry. 'Chemistry ... all that matters' is Lindsay's interpretation of this theme, as she explains in her brief for the design:

"Chemistry ... all that matters showcases some of the elements we might associate with science. A blend of art and education, the garden pays tribute to the test tube rack and dusty chalk boards that were features of chemistry lessons for so many of us."

"An iconic atom sculpture stands adjacent to a circular pond. Rivers of meandering electrons flow, winding their way through space and weaving around the base of the test tube feature that bubbles proudly away at the back of the garden."

Lyndsay received an RHS Bronze Award for her efforts, as well as having a great deal of public interest in her design.

You can read about the preparation for the event on the Apollo Projects Blog.

News: Apollo win at York Press Business Awards

Apollo Creative tonight received the award for Best Higher Education and Business Link at the York Press Business Awards.

Fighting off competition from companies including last years winner and heavy weight opponent Northern Rail, Apollo triumphed at a glittering awards ceremony.

The award recognises Apollo's comittment to working with a range of educational establishments from Primary Schools through to Further Education. Recent work has included a series of lectures and mentoring at Scarborough Campus University of Hull for the Creative Music Technology course, and guest lecture slots at Hull, Huddersfield and York.

You can read about the work that lead to Apollo Creative being named the winner of the Best Higher Educationa and Business category here on the company blog;

Apollo reaches shortlist for York Press Business Awards

After four months and several hundred entries, the finalists for The Press Business Awards were announced today.

Apollo Creative has reached the final three in the Best Business and Higher Education Link category, sponsored by the University of York. It reflects the work done by Apollo with colleges and universities across the region. You can get a taste of this by reading the company blog.

The judges will now meet the finalists in each category before the winners are announced on the 18th November at York Race Course. For a full list of finalists and to read the profile on Apollo Creative, see The Press website.

60 Minute Makeover in Stockport

Apollo was pleased to help out 60 Minute Makeover again by supplying an interactive bubble tube for a programme in Stockport.

The show, broadcast on the 26th April 2010, focuses on transforming the home of Michelle and Ian whose son Jake has cerebral palsy.

A 1.5m Interactive Bubble Tube was fitted by the designers as one of the features.

You can find a full list of suppliers for the programme here: http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/60minutemakeover/series7suppliers200910/stockport/default.html

Lynda joins the team

Lynda Bullock celebrates her move to Apollo

Apollo welcomes Lynda Bullock as Account Manager, the latest member to join our growing team.

Lynda comes from our parent company, GSPK Design, and brings with her a wealth of experience in customer relationship management. Her new role is to help provide a direct point of contact for our distributors and to deal with enquiries.

"I'm looking forward to working with all of Apollo's customers and helping to work towards developing our product lines. It's an extremely exciting time to be joining the team with sales continuing to grow despite the recession."

Lynda has previously worked with adults with learning difficulties and does respite care for a child with autism.

New website for Ensemble

Today saw the launch of a new website dedicated to the Apollo Ensemble product range. www.apolloensemble.co.uk aims to provide detailed information about Apollo Creatives interactive light and sound system.

Creative Director Mark Hildred explains:

"The Ensemble products are capable of doing so many different things that we felt the existing Apollo website was too constraining. The new site allows us to explain in detail all the features and applications for the equipment."

The site will be expanded over the coming months, to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ensemble, sensors and software.

Apollo welcomes new Product Specialist

Apollo is pleased to welcome recent graduate Ben Johnson to the team, joining the company as a product specialist. Ben worked with Apollo last summer to gain experience in the area of interactive technology, something that has proved mutually beneficial.

Ben recently completed a degree at the University of Hull, achieving a First Class Honors Degree in Creative Music Technology. During his final year Ben kept in regular contact with Creative Director Mark Hildred and continued working on the 'Me, Myself and MRI' project. This lead to him being offered the post to help support the growth of the company.

Ben will be working specifically on the new Ensemble product range and helping support a wide range of creative projects.

Getting A-Head in Art

An arresting new interactive exhibition exploring the boundaries between art and science, and powered by Apollo technology, opens on Tuesday 24th February at the National Science Learning Centre, York.

MRI Brain Scan

Me, Myself and MRI uses photography, video, sound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data to create complete portraits of a series of individuals. By interacting with the exhibition you can explore many of the facets of the individuals portrayed. This exciting multi-media exhibition has been created by York-based arts partnership Geodesic Arts, working in unique collaboration with Archbishop Holgate’s School York and York Neuroimaging Centre, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust and Arts Council England. It will tour to regional venues in 2009.

The culmination of a year long project, this exhibition uses photography, sound and video as well as contemporary neuroimaging technology. The subjects were chosen by Year 9 pupils from Archbishop Holgate’s School who decided to concentrate on capturing a comprehensive look at some of the very different people who make up society.

Tajinder, one of the subjects in the exhibition

The final six subjects were a nurse, a chaplain, a playwright, a kick-boxing champion, a TV journalist and a scientist. They sat for photographic portraits and took part in video and audio interviews, as well as undertaking an MRI brain scan.

The resulting data and footage has been transformed into a series of digital portraits that provide a unique representation of each of the subjects, giving a more detailed insight into what makes them all individual. MRI scans as well as being essential diagnostic tools also produce beautiful images and highlight features that are unique to each individual.

The project team has been working with Year 9 pupils from Archbishop Holgate’s School since the beginning of last year. James Evans, Head of Science, explains why the school got involved. “It is an exciting, collaborative project that has engaged the pupils, teachers and outside agencies. It is an opportunity to celebrate the exciting developments in science, explore the ethical issues raised and marry them with the creativity and expression of art.”  He believes that the project has made a lasting impression on the pupils. “To experience the ‘wow’ factor of science with inspirational people, to make links with many facets of the curriculum, to be engaged by science and express through art, ICT and media is priceless.”

As well as learning about creative digital technology, the pupils have been exploring the development of contemporary neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and MEG and the science behind them. Staff at York Neuroimaging Centre have been acting as scientific advisors to the project, explaining how modern-day techniques have developed, investigating ethical issues surrounding these techniques and carrying out MRI scans on the people selected to take part in the project. This is a chance to experience contemporary science firsthand, as Elliot Crowe, a Year 9 pupil points out. “I thought it would be something new and exciting to try. It’s not very often you get an opportunity to do something like this.”

The pupils have also found out about the development of portraiture as an art form and the links between science and the arts as they worked with an art historian to discover how art and science together can help us make sense of the world around us. As Francesca Smith, a pupil taking part in the work says, “I like this project – it’s different because we’re doing art and science together.”

"This innovative project will enable young people to develop an understanding of the science behind MRI scans," explains Clare Matterson, Wellcome Trust Director of Medicine, Society and History. "By engaging in a creative and accessible way with science and technology, they will explore ideas about the individual and self from scientific and cultural perspectives."

Work on the project started in January 2008 and the final exhibition will launch at the National Science Learning Centre on the 24th February before touring to Impressions Gallery, Bradford in April 2009. The project forms part of the year-round community and education programme of SightSonic, York’s International Festival of Digital Arts.

Apollo parent company obtains ISO9001:2000

GSPK Design Ltd is proud to announce that it has opbtained ISO 9001:2000; the internationally recognised accreditation for an organisation’s internal quality management system (QMS).

The driving force behind GSPK Design’s decision to pursue ISO 9001 has been to obtain a formal accreditation for the Quality Management Systems (QMS) already in place. The path to ISO has enabled the company to formalise a more structured approach to developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of the QMS.

Paul Marsh, Managing Director of GSPK Design Ltd said – “ISO 9001 has provided us with the framework we needed to motivate staff to monitor and improve performance across each department; which in turn has helped us to enhance customer service; and ultimately satisfaction, drive costs down, manage risk more effectively and increase market share. This accreditation is now set to open new doors for us and we are very excited about the future.”

GSPK Design is the parent company of Apollo Creative.

News: Student samples the world of work with Apollo Creative

Not everyone realises it, but employers’ value work experience almost as much as the qualifications you achieve. As well as increasing your knowledge and experience in the world of work it helps to build on your experience of life within the workplace.

One person who doesn’t need reminding of this is University of Hull degree student Ben Johnson, who has been on a placement with Knaresborough based Apollo Creative for the last two months.

Ben is studying a three year Creative Music Technology degree at the University’s Scarborough Campus. This course centres around the creative use of the latest technologies including sound recording, mixing, sound design, electronics, web authoring and multimedia.

Mark Hildred, Creative Director of Apollo Creative, regularly presents a lecture on the course covering real-world applications of this technology. Following Mark’s most recent lecture, Ben was inspired to approach Apollo about securing a work placement over his summer vacation.

Apollo Creative was set up to specialise in the innovative design, development and manufacture of interactive light and sound products, providing a perfect fit for Ben and his studies. Ben was given the opportunity to help work on the development of the company’s latest product the “Ensemble16” – an interactive control system that allows lighting and sound to be controlled from switch and sensor inputs.

The product, due for launch in September 2008, can be used across a range of disciplines including museums, play areas, and sensory rooms. It also has applications within special needs schools, something Ben has been exploring through a series of workshops at the Forest School in Knaresborough - a special school for pupils aged between 2½ and 16 who have a range of learning difficulties.

Ben has also worked on the innovative sci-art project “Me, Myself and MRI”, designing a working prototype of the final exhibition. This project explores the idea of individuality using contemporary neuro-imaging technology, photography and audio-video work, and is a collaboration between several partners including Geodesic Arts and Archbishop Holgate's School, York. The final exhibition is due to launch at the National Science Learning Centre in February 2009 before touring around galleries and public spaces across the region.

Ben Johnson says – “It is fantastic to have been given this opportunity to work in such a creative environment especially as it is so close to what I have been studying. I hope that my experience here will help me with my final year studies and look forward to coming back to see how some of the projects have progressed.”

News: Apollo gets creative with Sci-Art project

Apollo Creative is excited to announce its involvement with the innovative sci-art project Me, Myself and MRI. As a key partner, Apollo Creative is providing technical expertise through the involvement of its Creative Director Mark Hildred.

The project, being lead by the arts partnership Geodesic Arts, has been awarded funding by the Wellcome Trust and Arts Council England. It has been designed to explore the idea of individuality using contemporary neuroimaging technology, photography and audio-video work.

MRI Scan of Geodesic artist Damian Murphy's head

Geodesic are working together with Archbishop Holgate CE School, York and York Neuroimaging Centre to realise the project, which will culminate in a touring exhibition of digital portraits in 2009.

Year 8 students from the school have been working on the project since the beginning of 2008 and will choose six people to be the focus of the work. Approaches are currently being made to a range of people suggest by the group, from teachers to celebrities. The foundation for their selection is based on the question “what makes an individual?” and could focus on anything from their career, their background through to their every day lives.

The chosen subjects will be invited to undergo an MRI scan as well as sit for photographic portraits and take part in video and audio interviews. The information and data collected will then be transformed into a series of digital portraits which will provide a unique representation and insight into who they really are.

Mark Hildred, Apollo Creative and Technical Producer on the project, has been involved since the project’s inception and will be responsible for the realisation of the final exhibition. Mark has been actively involved in both the planning and running of the project sessions within the school, together with liaising with the galleries for the final exhibition.

Mark Hildred said – “It is always exciting to work with young people on innovative arts projects such as this. At Apollo Creative we actively seek involvement in this area as it helps us to develop new ideas and technologies. This ethos often provides us with ways for us to expand upon the work we already do within schools; and so develop the potential for future creative and technically skilled employees.”

James Evans, Head of Science, explains why the Archbishop Holgate CE School got involved. “It is an exciting, collaborative project that has engaged the pupils, teachers and outside agencies. It is an opportunity to celebrate the exciting developments in science, explore the ethical issues raised and marry them with the creativity and expression of art."

He believes that the project is significant to the pupils as “to experience the ‘wow’ factor of science with inspirational people, to make links with many facets of the curriculum, to be engaged by science and express through art, ICT and media is priceless.”

As well as learning about creative digital technology, the students are also exploring the development of contemporary neuro-imaging techniques such as MRI and MEG and the science behind them. Staff at the York Neuroimaging Centre are acting as scientific advisors to the project, explaining how modern-day techniques have developed, investigating ethical issues surrounding these techniques and carrying out MRI scans on the people selected to take part in the project.

The students are also finding out more about the development of portraiture as an art form and the links between science and the arts, as they are working with an art historian to discover how art and science together can help us make sense of the world around us.

The final exhibition is due to launch at the National Science Learning Centre in January 2009 before touring to York Hospital and Impressions Gallery, Bradford. The project forms part of the community and education programme for SightSonic, York’s International Festival of Digital Arts.

For further information, see the projects blog at: www.geodesicarts.org or contact Mark Hildred

News: Hospital donation helps celebrate record start to 2008

Apollo Creative has donated a state of the art bubble tube to the Harrogate and District Hospital Paediatric Ward.

The bubble tube has been donated to the twenty one bed Woodlands Paediatric Ward for children ranging in age from newborn to sixteen years old.

The bubble tube is an interesting and stimulating feature which creates stunning visual effects through the slow release of bubbles, which change through a myriad of colours.

Developed using the latest in LED technology to create stronger colour intensity, the bubble tubes are used extensively within the sensory market; providing stimulation and interest to seriously ill and disabled children and adults. Recently they have grown in prominence as a contemporary interior design feature within hotel lobbies, restaurants, bars, reception/waiting areas and homes. This growth has seen record sales during the first quarter of 2008, resulting in this special donation.

Hospital Play Specialist for the Woodlands Paediatric Ward, Anne Riach said – “The bubble tube is amazing. It is bright and stimulating and will provide a wonderful distraction for children on the ward.”

Mark Hildred, Creative Director for Apollo Creative said – “I am pleased to be able help create a more relaxing environment within the children’s ward by the donation of this tube. This seemed to be the perfect way to celebrate a record start to 2008, with sales of bubble tubes up over 100%!”

Whilst taking photos of children enjoying the new bubble tube, nurses on the ward commented on how well the bubble tube had been received by both children and parents alike.  One nurse said that the bubble tube provided vital relaxation for parents at what can be a very worrying time for them.  They thanked us for our kind generosity and also wanted us to know that it was a treat for them too!

Apollo Creative designs and manufactures a selection of specialist sensory display products including fibre optics, bubble walls, tubes and domes. It supplies a range of distributors across the UK.  The company also engages in a number of specialist projects across areas including arts, museum installations and education.

News: Apollo Design4Retail for Clarins

A custom bubble tube containing Clarins products

Interactive light, sound and bubble experts Apollo Creative have collaborated with retail design specialists Design4Retail to provide Clarins with an exclusive point of purchase (POP) display to help promote the launch of their HydraQuench skincare range in Selfridges' London store.

Design4Retail were instructed to communicate the benefits of Clarins’ new brand in a unique manner and approached Apollo to assist their Technical Designer to create a stunning promotional feature.

Four extra wide tubes were created and customised with ultra-bright blue LED illumination. These elegant bubble tubes were used to portray the idea of hydration and were specifically designed to allow for the suspension of the new product range within oxygenated water; creating a mesmerising and attractive focus for Selfridges’ customers.

Apollo’s skill and experience within this field have helped them develop a leading edge reputation for providing revolutionary new products into the marketplace. As well as providing a standard range of products (which include bubble tubes, walls, domes and fibre optic light sources), Apollo also support special projects and companies with unique/bespoke requirements.

More recently Apollo’s product have grown in prominence as contemporary interior design features and can be seen in hotel lobbies, restaurants, bars and homes; and current projects include interactive fountains, exhibition stand designs, light and sound rooms, multi-sensory environments, digital play areas and museum interactives.

Jon Vinall, Director at Design4Retail said – “Apollo Creative provided us with effective products and a co-operative project management service. Our own technical designer was able to work with the team at Apollo to ensure that our exact needs were taken on board. The bubble towers we purchased from Apollo were delivered on time, to spec; were highly effective and used in an unusual way to create a successful promotional launch.”

For further information, please contact Ben Johnson on 01423 798232 or e-mail sales@apollocreative.co.uk.