Is identity a game? A gamble?

Let’s play.

Każin Barokk is a Valletta 2018 project that plays with saints and sinners, the Baroque and the contemporary, fast-food franchises and the colours of the feasts in a collage of memories and worlds, with the past and the future mirroring one another. Out of this cocktail of images and arias, a ‘Baroque pastiche’ of local and contemporary identities is born.

As part of this project, we are designing a model, a game, and we want you to play with us, tell us how we can integrate different experiences and identities into it, during a workshop called ‘Performative Machines’.

This workshop is open to educators, students, alumni, and other individuals that are involved in the fields of art & design, software development, mechanical engineering, and other similar/related fields.

We’re looking for educators, students (or alumni) and people from industry within art & design, software development, mechanical engineering, or similar/related fields to participate in an exciting workshop called ‘Performative Machines’. This workshop is part of Każin Barokk, a Valletta 2018 project that embarks on a soul-searching journey where art, people, robotics, past, present and future come together to form a ‘Baroque pastiche’ based on local, contemporary identities.

 

 

Workshop Information

Dates: 18-21 September 2017
Venue: Design and Technology Learning Centre, Santa Venera (location)

‘Performative Machines’ is a four-day creative playground, based on the development of innovative digitally-controlled mechanisms that will be part of the Każin Barokk performance in September 2018. The workshop will combine visual arts, digital fabrication, craftsmanship, performance art, computer science and other related fields – technical, aesthetic or otherwise.

Taking inspiration from baroque stage mechanisms, we will be exploring the performative nature of machines. Participants will be working in small groups to design, develop, and test a number of mechanisms using both digital and analogue prototyping techniques. The workshop will encourage a free-flowing approach, and will bring together different practitioners from the fields of design and technology.

We will be collectively designing, prototyping and programming a device which can manipulate miniature models on a micro-stage. The purpose of the device is more of a performative nature, rather than a pragmatic one – therefore whirling gears and graceful linkage movement are more important than a functional approach. We will be repurposing analogue craftwork into the digital, working with laser cutters, 3D printers, arduino and other digital toolsets – together with input from experienced fabricators, machinists and mechanical engineers.

Entrance is free of charge. Doors open at 10am on Monday 18th September with an introductory session, participants are welcome to join as they are able or wish. Transport may be provided, depending on participation.

Workshop Schedule

Introductory Sessions on Monday, 18th September at 10:00 and 19:00
Two preliminary introductory sessions are being held for those interested in learning more about the workshop. This session will give an overview of the project, outline the aims and objectives for the workshop and explain what will be expected of participants over the next few days. Attendees may stay on to participate after the session if they wish.

Day 1: 18.09.2017
all day

Detailed introduction to the project and scope
Demonstration of the available fabrication tools and technology
Formation of groups
Brainstorming/sketching/mock-ups

Day 2: 19.09.2017
all day

Concept development (using digital and analogue design tools)
Prototyping of mechanisms (using laser-cutters, 3D printers and hand tools)
Software development (using open-source platforms)
Physical testing and simulation

Day 3: 20.09.2017
all day

Concept development (using digital and analogue design tools)
Prototyping of mechanisms (using laser-cutters, 3D printers and hand tools)
Software development (using open-source platforms)
Physical testing and simulation

Day 4: 21.09.2017
all day

Documentation (drawings, photographs, video)
Presentations of groups

How to apply

If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this Google form, indicating your availability. It is highly recommended that, while participants will be able to join us whenever they are able, participants make the best use of this unique opportunity.

In case of any queries, feel free to send an email to [email protected] by no later than 14th September 2017.