(Algo|Afro) Futures | Vivid Projects

(Algo|Afro) Futures is a digital learning programme responding to the lack of Black representation in the live coding and Algorave scene.

(Algo|Afro) Futures is devised and led by Antonio Roberts, an artist, musician and curator based in Birmingham, UK, working primarily with video, code, and sound. He is critically engaged with the themes surrounding network culture and in his practice explores how technology continues to shape ideas of creation, ownership, and authorship. Through an open call, Black early career artists are invited to explore creative and live coding; a performance practice used to produce live music and visuals via code ; a technique frequently utilised at electronic dance music events called Algoraves, although it also has applications in other areas such as in noise music, choreography and live cinema.

Participants are taught live coding skills via a series of workshops which culminate in an Algorave style live coding performance with an audience. Participants draw from their own artistic practices and creative skill sets, applying their newfound coding knowledge to create unique performance experiences.The creative potential is endless.

Algo | Afro) Futures is presented by Vivid Projects as part of our 2023/6 artist development programme supported by Arts Council England.

Text reading “(Algo|Afro) Futures” in white on a purple background next to the silhouette of a person with an Afro — Credit: Designer Philly

2023 Cohort

Emma Osman, Zach B-B, Jamal Lloyd Davis, MYNA, φ / Theophina, KarmaRi, Jim Osman, Tomilola Olumide

Eight artists were supported through five workshops and online mentoring over the Strudel platform.(Algo|Afro) Futures alumni Tyger Blue also returned as a mentor, offering guidance from his own experience as a participant in 2022. Tyger Blue is a UK based worker in rhythms, frequency and intensity. His vision is to extend the understanding of the transformative powers of computational art, to challenge perception through individual, collective and institutional change.

Woman holding a microphone singing in front of a purple screen with code on it — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Woman smiling looking at a laptop in front of her with a colourful screen of code projected onto her and the wall behind — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Man playing the violin in front of a screen of code, with a pink circle on the screen directly behind him — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Man wearing a beanie looking at a laptop in front of a screen of code — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Person with an Afro on a laptop with a purple textured screen of code projected onto them and the background — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Man on his laptop in front of a screen of code and an image of a woman screaming — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Man crouched over his laptop and table full on electronic equipment In front of a blue screen of code — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Front view of seated audience watching the live coding performances — Photograph by Marcin Sz

You can watch the 2023 live performance here.

2022 Cohort

Canaan Brown, Demarae, Japhet Dinganga, Meesha Fones, melissandre varin, Sym Stellium and Tyger Blue.

Man on a laptop in front of a white screen of some with black text — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

Man on laptop in front of purple and green patterned screen of code — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

Man talking into microphone with image of himself at that moment projected onto the screen behind him — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

View of seated audience watching watching live coding performance with purple screen and lighting — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

Person in black wearing a black veil on a laptop in front of a purple screen of code — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

One man wearing a cap on computer monitor with three people next to him — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

Person singing into microphone with purple textured screen of gore in background — Photograph by Jodi Cunningham

You can watch the 2022 live performance here.

2021 Cohort

Emily Mulenga, Samiir Saunders, Jae Tallawah and Rosa Francesca.

Woman on laptop with person next to them wearing a face mask adjusting electronic equipment — Photograph by Marcin Sz

Close up photo of woman wearing red lipstick with two pink flowers in her hair — Artist photo of Rosa Francesca

Woman with bright pink hair sat in front of a computer facing the camera wearing a black Supreme T-shirt — Artist photo of Emily Mulenga

Black and white photo of Samiir with hair partially in a high bun — Artist photo of Samiir Saunders

Photo of Jae wearing navy buttoned shirt — Artist photo of Jae Tallawah

You can watch the 2021 live performance here.

Below you can read first-hand what some of the participants have had to say about their time taking part in the (Algo|Afro) Futures programme over the years:

“The Algo|Afro Futures project set me up with a brilliant new skill. It was my first time coding, and Antonio and Alex made the learning process super enjoyable. It was also great to be part of a cohort and to be able to support one another. Since the program I’ve been able to apply my skills to a project in collaboration with BMAG (Cut Copy Remix 2) where I created a piece of live coded music based on ringtones.”
–Emily Mulenga

“My eyes have been opened to whole communities, technologies, and ways of conceptualising music making that I did not have access to before. I was able to combine live coding with my existing spoken word poetry practice to create a form of artistic expression which feels empowering and deeply authentic to me. The support that I have received since completing the programme has been ongoing, with resources and opportunities continuing to be shared between participants, mentors, and alumni. I have since performed at live coding events in Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, and even one in Paris! This programme has been so fun and has led to so many opportunities. I am overjoyed that I was able to participate, and I would recommend it to any artist with an interest in music, performance, and/or coding.”
–Samiir Saunders

Browse the (Algo|Afro) Futures website to read more about the programme, past participants and stay up to date.