Students are using a dual-boot machine with UbuntuLinux and Windows XP. I love this account of how he got the change going at a Technology magnet school...note the focus is on bringing innovative experiences to students rather than making it easier for District Technology Department staff to do their job, which unfortunately, is what keeps GNU/Linux out of many school districts:
The Rudd laptop scheme damaged the use of linux in schools in Aus. Maybe this will help.
The OpenEducationDisc focuses soley on meeting educational needs of students of all ages. Software has been chosen to address specific IT needs across a wide range of subject areas.
Some artists working with textiles have discovered FreeSoftware. There should be really good opportunities in this area to make useful contacts and spread the word.Here is one starting point:
"Sintel" is an independently produced short film, initiated by the Blender Foundation as a means to further improve and validate the free/open source 3D creation suite Blender. With initial funding provided by 1000s of donations via the internet community, it has again proven to be a viable development model for both open 3D technology as for independent animation film.
This 15 minute film has been realized in the studio of the Amsterdam Blender Institute, by an international team of artists and developers. In addition to that, several crucial technical and creative targets have been realized online, by developers and artists and teams all over the world.