DMG is an open access workshop facility based on the ground floor of the Blanche Pease building, adjacent to Darlington Arts Centre. All parts of the workshop are wheelchair accessible, with some workstations designed for wheelchair users - contact DMG for details of access and use by people with disabilities.
Digital Facilities comprise a fully networked computer suite comprising six Apple G-4 computers with 17-inch Trinitron screens. Scanning and printing up to A3 size is available. We offer the following software and capabilities:
- Photoshop and Iphoto for digital photography
- Imovie for basic digital video editing
- Garageband for basic sound mixing
- Flash animation
- Web authoring - Dream Weaver or Go Live
- Director CD-Rom authoring
- Broadband and WiFi internet access
- Professional desk top publishing and design - Quark Express and In Design
The Darkroom provides excellent facilities for black and white film processing and printing. It contains four Meopta Magnifix enlargers with variable contrast filter heads, mounted in individual bays, and a wet bench that is large enough to accommodate group working. All ancillary equipment such as processing tanks, timers, printing easels, thermometers, dishes, etc, are provided. It also contains a De Vere 203 enlarger mounted with a Multigrade 500 head system. The enlarger is mounted so that it can be operated from a seated position and is suitable for wheelchair users.
The new Scan & Print Room is due to open early in 2008, offering high-end film scanning up to 5" x 4", large-format printing up to 24" wide, and two regularly calibrated workstations. The room is being managed by DMG's Photo North group, and can be dry hired on a full or half-day basis.
The Video/Sound Edit suite offers broadcast standard non-linear editing using Final Cut Studio on a dual processor Mac. Users can bring in their own tapes for transfer, or simply upload files for editing. We also have a small mixing desk, and a number of mics for live recording. You can sound mix using Garageband, and simply export your mixes to Final Cut, or work with Sound Edit Pro. Final Cut Studio also includes a complete DVD authoring package. The suite can be dry hired on a full or half-day basis.
The Workshop provides a teaching area suitable for groups of up to 12-15 people, with benches, seating and teaching aids. Facilities for print finishing and mount cutting and a copy stand are also available in this area. The main workshop is also set up for the display of finished work and small-scale exhibitions.
Our workshop technician, Paul Dillon, is available to answer routine queries whilst you are using the workshop. However at the low rates that you pay to use the facilities we are unable to provide detailed training and guidance or other support services as part of your workshop session. If you require training this is available through one of our regular courses. We can also arrange bespoke training and development projects for groups on a negotiated basis - discuss your needs with Paul.
This rate card is valid from 1 December 2007. Our fees for the use of our facilities are designed to be affordable whilst ensuring that we can continue to provide the best open access facilities in the northeast. To use the facilities you must be a member of DMG. Check out our membership and session fees below:
To use DMG's facilities, you need to join the group. This costs just £10 a year for individuals and community organisations.
All DMG members are able to use the facilities in the main workshop free of charge. However, groups of more than three people will need to advance book the workshop*. Materials are charged at the following rates:
DVD's £1 each. CD's 50p each
A - 4 colour prints including clay coated matt paper £2.25 per copy
A - 3 colour prints including clay coated matt paper £4.75 per copy
(Gloss and other specialist papers will be kept for courses but not available for general use, IT users may bring their own and pay £1.20 (A-4) £2.40 (A-3) per print to cover Ink costs)
Laser prints 7p each (1 sided)
Tuition fee if required - £25 per hour
Users can bring their own paper if they wish.
*Group booking fee £20 per hour (includes main workshop area).
Darkroom - £2.25 per hour (£1.75 concessionary)
Film development - 60p per film (inc. negbag)
Paper 45p per 10x8 - 35p per 7x5
3 months darkroom fee* (in advance) - £43.00
Tuition fee if required - £25 per hour plus normal darkroom fees
*Group booking fee £20 per hour (includes main workshop area).
Dry hire - £50 per day (£40 concessionary)
To make access to equipment and software manuals easier, we are starting an online manual store. All manuals are in PDF format. New additions will be made from time to time as required.