London Packaging Week has partnered with charity Vital Hardware in its continuing mission to uplift and shine a spotlight on young creative talent from underprivileged backgrounds.
Vital Hardware works with industry educators, schools, and businesses to break down barriers that prevent young talent from minority and working-class backgrounds from getting started in the creative industries. It provides support and equipment, such as laptops, desktops, and accessories to help young people bridge the digital divide and flourish in the early stages of their careers.
One of the key challenges many young creatives have to overcome is acquiring hardware that is capable of running industry-standard software. As this technology is not provided through government funding, many go without the vital tools that they need to train, build portfolios, and build creative careers.
The partnership enables London Packaging Week attendees to support Vital Hardware in a number of ways; by donating old laptops, desktops, and accessories via the onsite collection bins, by scanning QR codes onsite to make a financial donation, or simply by raising awareness in the packaging community.
Adam Ryan, brand director at London Packaging Week, said, “A key goal of London Packaging Week is to provide a platform to the next generation of talent. We strongly believe that the platform should be open to everyone, regardless of background, so that the packaging industry can benefit from a talent pipeline full of fresh perspectives and innovations. This makes Vital Hardware the perfect fit as our charity partner, as there is so much we align on.
“The more diverse voices we can get in the packaging industry, the healthier it will be. From the Future Trailblazer initiative to this new partnership, London Packaging Week is committed to creating an impact that reaches far beyond the walls of the Excel, inspiring the next generation of packaging innovations.”
Alice Havill, co-founder of Vital Hardware, said, “Our mission is to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to unlock their creative potential. UK creative industries are missing more than 250,000 working-class voices, and this partnership is the latest step on our journey to getting those talented creatives into the sector. I want to thank the team at London Packaging Week for being such supportive and collaborative partners in empowering a brighter, fresher, and more inclusive creative industry.
“That old laptop sitting in your office store cupboard could be someone’s way into a packaging design career. And that desktop tower you haven’t switched on in years could genuinely change a young person’s life – all you need to do is bring it to London Packaging Week and drop it in one of our collection bins, or chat with one of our team to arrange a donation after the event. Every donation is another brick in the foundation of the future of the creative industry.”
London Packaging Week will be held on 15 and 16 October at Excel London.
