Is identity a game? A gamble?
Let’s play.
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’.
We’re looking for educators, students (or alumni) and people from industry within art & design, software development, mechanical engineering, or related fields to participate in an exciting workshop called ‘Performative Machines’ as 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 - participants can join for all or any of the sessions at the time they are able or wish.
Venue for all Kazin Barokk Project workshop sessions
Design and Technology Learning Centre, Ex-Umberto Calosso Premises, Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera. Parking is available on site.
Design and Technology Learning Centre, Ex-Umberto Calosso Premises, Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera. Parking is available on site.
Day 1: 18 September – anytime throughout the day
Introductory Sessions at 10:00 and 19:00
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.
Days 2 and 3: 19 and 20 September – anytime throughout the 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 September – anytime throughout the day
Documentation (drawings, photographs, video)
Presentations of groups
How to apply
Interested participants are encouraged to register online. In case of any queries, feel free to send an email to perform@valletta2018.org.
Further information
- ‘Performative Machines’ is a workshop around the development of novel digitally-controlled mechanisms that will be part of in the Każin Barokk performance in September 2018. The workshop will combine a wide range of disciplines that include visual arts, digital fabrication, craftsmanship, performance art, and computer science.
- 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 10:00 on Monday 18 September with an introductory session, participants are welcome to join as they are able or wish. Transport may be provided, depending on participation.