EcoGPX™ is a new smartphone app being developed by the Intercultural Roots charity and there's an opportunity for people who are local or connected to Ilkley and the area in some way to get involved in creating and filming content for the online gallery.
EcoGPX™ will allow people to freely access an online gallery of engaging media filmed, recorded and photographed at particular places of interest in Ilkley. It will encourage people to visit those locations to be guided by and interact with the unique materials that artists, ecologists, musicians, historians and story-tellers will present. Anyone who wishes to record and leave their own inspired response using their smartphone will also be able to do so.
The app, with the Ilkley prototype planned to be ready in January 2024, isn’t just about entertainment or eco-tourism. It's a way to bridge art, nature, and community. Local community groups such as the Ilkley Clean River Group or Friends of Ilkley Moor for example, will be able to use it to educate people about the challenges Ilkley faces and how local people can get involved in improving the environment. This could include information about helping to reduce the amount of raw sewage going into the river, how to get involved in litter picking initiatives or in educating dog walkers about keeping their dogs on a leash up on the moors to protect nesting birds. It’ll certainly encourage more people to get outdoors in healthy ways to creatively engage with the amazing heritage that Ilkley offers or to join our local community groups.
“As an Ilkley resident and arts practitioner myself, I’m delighted that the EcoGPX™ prototype, funded by Innovate UK, is to be piloted and will expand to benefit more areas in the UK and internationally. It promises to engage users in environmentally friendly, creative health and climate action activities as well as contributing to supporting community, cultural, heritage and economic needs.” Dr Alex Boyd, Founder and Executive Director - Intercultural Roots.
There’s an opportunity for people who are local or connected to Ilkley and the area to get involved in creating and filming content for the online gallery between the 14th and 19th September. If you are interested in paid or voluntary involvement the deadline is the 7th September. Applications are invited via this link https://forms.gle/SPp1su12px3xjP379 or via www.ecogpx.com