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press kit
HISTORY
LitKit is built on the foundation of curriculum developed over two decades through Never Gallery Ready, a nonprofit known for its innovative media-arts programming—winner of the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2022 Arts for Youth prize. What started as grassroots workshops exploring the relationship between art and technology evolved into a global portfolio of exhibitions, public programs, and school partnerships. The insights gained from teaching thousands of learners shaped LitKit’s design: kits that bring the essence of those workshops into classrooms, homes, and creative spaces everywhere.
ABOUT
LitKit brings digital literacy and creative technology directly to learners ages 13+, through mobile-first, no-code STEM/STEAM maker kits. LitKit’s Augmented Reality-enabled maker kits empower young creatives everywhere to build the skills they need to thrive—now and into the future.
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In a world where the internet shapes everything—from careers to culture—understanding how digital systems work is no longer optional, it’s essential. LitKit helps young people not only survive in the age of the internet but thrive in it, by making digital literacy approachable, creative, and fun.
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Digital literacy is as fundamental today as reading and writing were a century ago. Yet access to meaningful, engaging pathways into technology is uneven, leaving many students as passive users rather than active makers. LitKit bridges this gap by blending tactile, analog play with digital experiences—teaching the logic, systems, and creativity of technology without requiring coding skills.
Rated Best in STEM by STEM.ORG! "Best In STEM" is a distinct recognition granted independently of STEM authentication, awarded exclusively to products ranking within the top 5% of those evaluated globally.
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founder and CEO
LitKit’s CEO, Karen Darricades, is an award-winning educator, new media artist, and global speaker on AI and emerging tech, with talks in NYC, Vienna, Cairo, and more. She hosts the #WeMakeMedia podcast (10k monthly listeners), and her AR work has exhibited worldwide. A youth mentor and media literacy expert, she has spent more than 20 years designing curriculum at the intersection of art, technology, and social impact, building partnerships with Google Arts & Culture, and the Toronto District School Board. She advises Artivive app, Sheridan University’s Creative Industries program, and leads Arts & Culture for Creative Commons Canada.
product features
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Augmented Reality Layering: paper-based activities come alive with digital overlays.
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Collage + Remix Pedagogy: no prior skills in art or tech required—users remix preloaded assets from peers, proffesionals, and the public domain.
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Future-Ready Skills: learners gain literacy in core digital concepts while building creative, critical, and collaborative skills.
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Curated by Artist-Educators: LitKit is created by award-winning artist educators who understand what teens love and care about what they need.​
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Learning Through Exploration, Not Explanation: Unlike traditional STEM kits with fixed parts and single outcomes, LitKit offers prompts, metaphors, and open-ended tools that let learners deconstruct technology through play and create many possible outcomes—not just one.
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Creative Economy Connection: Featured artists are paid for their contributions through royalty profit-sharing model.
Boiler plate
LitKit is a creative technology company developing play-based STEM/STEAM learning experiences for ages 13 and up. Each LitKit combines hands-on making with augmented reality and immersive media to help young creators explore the technologies shaping the internet age. Founded by a team of award-winning artist-educators and creative technologists, LitKit designs open-ended learning experiences that bridge critical thinking and creative play. Based at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto, LitKit is part of Canada’s first XR Accelerator through the National Centre for Excellence on Immersive Tech—a partnership between Algoma University and Unity Technologies. LitKit’s Chief Commercial Officer previously led global AR/VR marketing at Snap Inc., Facebook, and Samsung. Recognized by STEM.org as ranking in the top 5% of global STEM products, LitKit is reimagining digital literacy for a new generation of makers.