Vivid Projects in collaboration with Antonio Roberts is delighted to launch the open call for the new (Algo|Afro) Futures programme – an initiative to support Black artists who want to experiment with live coding.

What is live coding? It’s 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. Since its inception in 2014, Algoraves have taken place in over 100 cities and festivals around the world, including performances at Glastonbury, Sonar, SXSW, Bluedot, Mutek and Transmediale. There have been numerous events in Birmingham including audio/visual focused parties here at Vivid Projects in Digbeth.

Devised by Antonio Roberts and Alex McLean, (Algo | Afro) Futures responds to the lack of Black representation in the live coding and Algorave scene. Following a pilot scheme in 2021, this year we are delighted to be funded by Birmingham City Council through the Creative City programme, part of Birmingham 2022. The project will support up to ten early career Black artists who are 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.

Each participant will receive a bursary to take part in a series of workshops led by artist mentors Antonio Roberts and Gary Stewart, supported by Alex McLean. Over the 5/6 week programme which runs over five Saturdays May-July, and culminates with a public event on Friday 5 August,  you will participate in a mix of in-person workshops and asynchronous online discussion around live coding.

To apply to (Algo|Afro) Futures in writing please fill in the form on the project website: https://algo-afro-futures.lurk.org/. There is also an option to apply through video submission.

More information about the mentors and other partners can be read on the (Algo | Afro) Futures website Mentors page https://algo-afro-futures.lurk.org/mentors. The website should provide you with the information you need to apply – if you need more advice, contact the lead Artist, Antonio Roberts at algoafrofutures@gmail.com.

(Algo | Afro) Futures is funded by Birmingham City Council as a Creative City project.