Knowle West Media Centre

Who we are

At Knowle West Media Centre we support people to make positive changes in their lives and communities, using technology and the arts to come up with creative solutions to problems and explore new ways of doing things.

Our programmes range from regular after school social action and digital fabrication sessions for young people to artist residencies, neighbourhood science projects, international research projects and more. Working with a mix of residents, artists, researchers, local government and businesses we dream, make, co-create and support people to make change, from developing new approaches to climate action, to street-level retrofitting and community-led storytelling with immersive technologies.

Our culture and values

About KWMC: We have been working in and with our local community since 1996. We work across the neighbourhood in green spaces, high streets and homes, bringing our arts, tech and cocreation practices into a local ecology of change making. Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) is an arts and community tech, ACE National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and charity based in Knowle West, South Bristol. Our mission is:

‘Making fair and thriving neighbourhoods together, with arts, tech and care’

We ensure our programmes are rooted in community priorities by working closely with, and as founding members of, the Knowle West Alliance. From our purpose built community tech ecobuilding (KWMC: Leinster Ave) and our digital maker space (KWMC:Factory) we run regular arts+tech capacity building and co-creation programmes for all ages.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our activities are underpinned and influenced by our five core values, which are:

Imagination: Not being afraid to do or think differently, and being willing to explore new perspectives and creative ways of doing things

Integrity: Treating others with honesty, consistency and respect, and being prepared to be held accountable for your actions

Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a shared goal, valuing the contribution and expertise that each individual brings

Equity: Recognising that in order for everyone to have an equal opportunity to succeed, some people may need additional support – then doing what you can to make this happen

Resilience: Staying faithful to your mission and values but having the flexibility to adapt to change