ARTS University Bournemouth has welcomed a £354,400 investment for two digital innovation projects in the arts.

The money, allocated to the university from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will be used to help fund a remote digital innovation resources project – the only one of its kind in the region – and to create a 280 metres square innovation suite.

This comes on top of a £1.5million Dorset LEP investment in the arts university's new Innovation Studio.

By providing remote access to a new suite of digital and fabrication equipment, the project will support, Dorset LEP says, clothing design, film and video game production and manufacturing, product design, engineering and health technology sectors.

AUB vice president Emma Hunt said: "As a top sector specialist and leading arts university for the creative industries, we are always looking to innovate, collaborate and connect in ways that turn creative talent into careers.

"This latest Dorset LEP investment will enable us to provide an inclusive environment for students, academics and Dorset businesses that fosters innovation and collaboration as well as enhancing the technical capabilities of the region.

"It also means that businesses outside of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such as Weymouth, Portland and the west of the county can be supported too.”

As well as the new remote digital suite, the money will be used to refurbish an existing admin space to create an new innovation studio for collaborative work.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director said: "This additional investment at AUB demonstrates our commitment to supporting innovation.

"Building on an innovation studio to support local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, remote access to specialist resources addresses the challenge of supporting rural businesses in Dorset and those in our more deprived areas.

"It will also support students and businesses during Covid-19 which restricts physical gathering.”