Frequently
Asked
Questions

If WheelWorks is new to you or you’re just catching up with what we do, we’ve compiled a handy list of questions and answers which may help you. Just click on the + sign to the left of each question to find your answer!

+ What does WheelWorks do?

At WheelWorks we are creating new worlds with arts and digital technology Workshops, Programmes & Projects and social enterprise activities across Northern Ireland.

+ Where did the name WheelWorks come from?

Our founder Gavin O’Connor came up with the name WheelWorks, which reflected his background working with the mobile play service and his desire to create the first socially impactful, mobile youth arts resource in Northern Ireland.

+ What art forms does WheelWorks cover?

WheelWorks combines traditional (music, photography, arts and crafts, dance, drama, creative writing) and digital (animation, digital art, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Motion Capture) art forms.

+ What age groups does WheelWorks work with?

Our participants are aged 4-25 from across Northern Ireland and we also do some inter-generational work which brings older and younger people together.

+ What sort of organisations does WheelWorks work with?

We work with schools, youth and community groups, charities, corporates, councils and families at public events.

+ What social issues does WheelWorks address in its work?

We address a range of issues, including bullying, racism, good relations, LGBTQ, intergenerational, shared space, health and wellbeing. If the issue you’d like to address with your group is not included here, talk to us!

+ What is the ArtCart?

WheelWorks ArtCart is a unique, transformational, mobile arts space that can provide a range of Workshops and creative activities to groups of young people across Northern Ireland.

+ What is the ChillCart?

WheelWorks ChillCart is a self-contained mobile vehicle which comes to your location and holds up to 16 people, including 4 wheelchair users. The innovative and adaptable ChillCart can be hired in two ways:

— as a drop-in social space for organisations doing community outreach with young people who face multiple barriers

— as a relaxed break-away space for people with additional needs and their families/carers at large outdoor festivals and events

NB. Please note this is not an activity-based service like the ArtCart sessions.

For further information about how to hire the ChillCart, or contact jude@wheelworksarts.com

+ What sort of skills and activities can young people learn on the ArtCart?

Using a mix of digital arts and more traditional art forms, you can experiment with virtual reality, animation, film making, music making, coding, augmented reality, drama, dance, visual art, arts & crafts and photography.

The ArtCart Workshops are suitable for a range of events such as fun days, community projects, schools and youth programmes and council public events.

+ What is the tech spec of the ArtCart?

The ArtCart features the following:

iPads / Macbook Pro laptops / Virtual reality sets / Augmented reality equipment / Motion Capture technology / Gaming laptops & software / Digital stills cameras / Sound recording technology / Arts & crafts material / Music making & DJ equipment / Data projector


The ArtCart requires access to a level area to park with room for manoeuvring — 30 ft. long × 8 ft. wide (18 ft. wide with stage area open.)

+ How do I book the ArtCart?

That’s easy! Contact tanya@wheelworksarts.com and she’ll be happy to help or fill in the online enquiry form here.

+ Can WheelWorks provide a tailored workshop for my school, youth group or organisation?

Yes, absolutely! Our ArtCart Co-ordinator Tanya will be happy to help — get in touch at Tanya@wheelworksarts.com

+ Can WheelWorks provide corporate training or team-building activities for my charity or business?

Yes, contact our Social Enterprise Co-Ordinator Jan at jan@wheelworksarts.com

+ What does AR mean?

Augmented Reality (AR) is viewing the real world through a window that is your mobile device.

Digital elements, objects or interactive games are superimposed into the real world and viewed through any mobile device — e.g. the Pokémon GO game, face tracker filters and even dancing 3D characters popping up on a desk!

At WheelWorks we give participants the tools and skills to create their own AR app experiences using state of the art software.

+ What does VR mean?

Virtual Reality (VR) is when the user is completely immersed in a 3 dimensional digital world, which replaces the current environment in 360 degrees.

It’s experienced via an Oculus Rift headset that completely blocks the vision of the real world and replaces it with a digital world. The user can use hand controls that represents virtual hands in the digital world, allowing for user interaction of objects in the digital world, such as using a virtual paint brush, drawing a bow and arrow, and walking through the virtual environment.

VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE

In the Virtual Reality experience, users can learn to use their virtual hands to interact with their surroundings. Shoot targets, use a bow and arrow, paint all around you and walk around exploring your digital world.

VIRTUAL REALITY LAB

WheelWorks offers cutting edge STEM education. We have developed a number of VR workshops for children and young people, from using industry standard software to design Virtual Reality games, worlds and apps to creating 360 degree paintings.


For further information on our VR Workshops, contact Veronica on veronica@wheelworksarts.com

+ How are WheelWorks Projects and Programmes funded?

There are four different options when it comes to funding our Projects and Programmes:

  1. We secure funding to provide Projects and Programmes in your geographical area and recruit your group to take part.

  2. Your group secures funding for arts and digital Projects and Programmes and hires WheelWorks to provide them.

  3. You talk to us about wanting to provide arts and digital Projects and Programmes in your area and we apply for funding together.

  4. If you would like to make a donation to WheelWorks so that we can provide arts and digital Projects and Programmes to a group/in an area of your choice, please contact us here.

+ Does WheelWorks provide services right across Northern Ireland?

Yes, with the ArtCart we can drive pretty much anywhere, park up and let the artistic fun begin!