SKIPTON-based digital artist and film professional Virpi Kettu, of Kettu Studios has created a new kind of Yorkshire Dales story, full of real regional folk-lore creatures and cute dancing dog characters inspired by local people. It is called Dogs’ Dales.
These ingredients have been made into an animated TV series and story-related, educational 'augmented reality' (AR) trail mobile game applications.
The first location of Dogs’ Dales AR app will launch on Saturday, May 21in Skipton where, in the town centre, you will find Dogs’ Dales AR app helpers around the trail assisting you to use the game and take fun dancing pictures with the digital dogs. When you have completed the trail, the game will generate a 'treat' to collect from a local shop. The App is free to download from online app stores from that weekend onwards.
The App game only works now on location in Skipton or on the Dogs’ Dales postcards.
Virpi said: “The aim of this project is to shine a new and exciting light on our historical home through a fun story that is based on this reality and local folklore. The hope is that this will entertain locals and visitors alike, and invigorate the interest in the area, as well as inform people about the digital possibilities.”
“This AR app is easy to use, fun for all ages and is intended to be something families and people of any age can do together, or on their own too. It will take you to an easily accessible fun trail around town to meet Dogs’ Dales characters and in the end give you a treat voucher for a local independent business. A great way to explore the town.”
She added: “Personally it has been very inspirational to learn about Skipton and The Yorkshire Dales; the history, legends and amazing personalities. This project is my homage to the magic of the area and the great cultural heritage.
“When I first arrived here it seemed like everyone had a dog. It was like the dogs owned the Dales. Hence the name: Dogs’ Dales.”
You can find the cards from Dogs’ Dales online shop or selected shops in Skipton. It is one of the flag ship projects funded by Historic England’s Skipton Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative to revitalise rural town centres and to address economic, social and environmental change using arts, heritage and culture as the catalyst.
More information at: www.dogsdales.com and www.kettustudios.com
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