A powerful new initiative is transforming how young people engage with culture and technology — and it’s all thanks to a dynamic partnership merging tech and heritage organisations.
STEAM Studio, a digital skills programme combined with museums’ heritage, is bringing collections to life through the lens of technology. By fusing the worlds of culture and coding, the project is delivering a transformative learning experience for secondary school students across Northern Ireland and beyond.
A Model of Meaningful Partnership
At the heart of STEAM Studio is a collaborative relationship between Nerve Centre, Navigator Blue, Liberty IT and National Museums NI — a partnership built on shared values of innovation, education, and community impact.
Working collaboratively with Navigator Blue, and leveraging our longstanding relationship with National Museums NI, Nerve Centre provided a strong foundation to bring this initiative to life in an authentic and engaging way. With access to rich museum collections and support from experienced museum staff, the project seamlessly integrates digital creativity with tangible cultural learning.
This cross-sector collaboration exemplifies how combined expertise can yield projects with real, measurable social benefit.
Immersive Learning at Ulster Museum
At the Ulster Museum in Belfast, students are given exclusive access to museum collections while participating in free workshops designed and delivered by Nerve Centre.
These sessions go far beyond a typical museum visit — students are immersed in artefacts and stories, then challenged to turn what they’ve learned into fully coded, playable arcade games using intuitive software.
The young participants have gained exposure to coding, storytelling, and game design, all while deepening their understanding of heritage and culture. The workshops are completely free, with transport costs covered thanks to Liberty IT’s support, removing financial barriers for schools and broadening access.
Expanding Horizons in Galway
Following its success in Belfast, STEAM Studio has set its sights westward.
Recognising the impact the programme was having in Northern Ireland, Liberty IT — with an office presence in Galway — were eager to replicate the experience in the west of Ireland. Partnering with Galway City Museum, we have created an experience for students which explores the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Students in Galway dive into stories of seafaring and local history, turning these narratives into digital games that showcase both their technical skills and creative vision. The programme is currently in pilot phase with a full programme roll-out anticipated from September 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the STEAM Studio story.
Impacting the Next Generation
What makes STEAM Studio truly special is its commitment to future generations. These workshops do more than teach coding — they build confidence, spark curiosity, and open doors to careers in tech and creative industries.
By grounding technical training in real-world cultural content, STEAM Studio is proving that young people can thrive when given the tools, space, and inspiration to do so. It's a shining example of how innovative education can prepare students for tomorrow while deepening their connection to the past.
Read more about STEAM Studio