We are pleased to support (Algo|Afro) Futures  –  a mentoring programme for early career Black artists who want to explore the creative potential of live coding. 

New to the concept? Live coding is a performance practice where artists and musicians use code to create live music and live visuals. This is often done at electronic dance music events called Algoraves, but live coding is a technique rather than a genre, and has also been applied to noise music, choreography, live cinema, and many other time-based artforms.

The project will take place between April – June at Vivid Projects and online. It was developed and is being delivered by mentors Antonio Roberts and Alex McLean, two leading artists within the UK and international live coding scene. The project seeks applications from Black early career artists developing work within performing arts practices (music, choreography, live/performance art, etc), and no prior experience in coding is required – only a curiosity to learn! Live coding is surprisingly accessible, and as an algorithmic artform has more in common with weaving, cooking and knitting than software engineering. The mentors are interested in supporting people in taking it in new directions.

This opportunity is open for Black West Midlands-based artists only. A participation fee will be offered and travel expenses within the West Midlands will be covered.

The call is open now until 23:59 on 14 March.  Further information about the programme, FAQs and the application form can be found here: https://algo-afro-futures.lurk.org/

(Algo|Afro) Futures is supported by the AHRC Leadership Fellowship project Music and the Internet: Towards a digital sociology of music, which is funded by the UKRI; and co-organised by FoAM Kernow, a non-profit company working towards a world with equitable access to knowledge.

 Image Credit: Antonio Roberts at Algorave for Mediafest, Vivid Projects 2018. Photo courtesy Marcin Sz