The (Algo|Afro) Futures open call goes live with a mini-Algorave, featuring performances from Antonio Roberts and Samiir Saunders.

(Algo | Afro) Futures responds to the lack of Black representation in the live coding and Algorave scene. Piloted in 2021, this year we are delighted to be funded through the Creative City programme to support up to ten early career Black artists, with each receiving a paid bursary to take part in a series of workshops led by artist mentors Antonio Roberts and Gary Stewart, supported by Alex McLean.

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.

If you would like to know more, and get a taste of the kind of work you could make through taking part in the project, come along to our free mini-Algorave 7-8.30pm on 14 April. (Algo | Afro) Futures lead artist Antonio Roberts and Samiir Saunders (who participated in the programme in 2021) will each perform a set featuring live algorithmic techno and algorithmic visuals.

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.

Applications to take part in the programme will open on 14 April. In the meantime, further information about the 2021 project can be found here: https://algo-afro-futures.lurk.org/