Background

First Friday began over 10 years ago in the Watershed bar, as a place for people who shared an interest in innovation and creativity, no matter their sector or background. It has happened every month for over a decade – creating new collaborations, businesses, friendships and ideas. During lockdown we took the conversation online, enabling people to join who otherwise would not have been able to. It helped us realise that Watershed isn’t only a physical space; we are a network that reaches out across the world.

 

First Fridays now

We are currently trialing First Friday as a hybrid event. This means that as well as welcoming people back to the building, we will also continue to offer the opportunity to join in online.

 

March's event

The next First Friday will take place both in Pervasive Media Studio and online. Fri 4 Mar 5pm - 6pm.

People joining online can participate in short conversations, facilitated by our chat roulette style software. You will be paired up at random for a series of five minute conversations, one-to-one with other guests. There is an option to take a break between each chat and you are welcome to pop in and out whenever you like. It's fine to join the event late and leave the event early. 

People joining us in person will have the opportunity to have a look around Pervasive Media Studio and to find out more about some of the work that happens here. There will also be some equipment set up to chat with people joining the event remotely and to explore some of the work that has been made in the Studio over the last 13 years.

For those joining us in person, we're really excited that Studio residents Ellie Chadwick and Tim Kindberg will be there to show you some things they're working on.  Think informal chats with interesting things to look at, rather than formal presentations!



Ellie Chadwick is a theatre director, writer and producer experimenting with live performance and technologies.  She will be sharing a mini-installation connected to Sleight of Hand's Trace of Us project inspired by the works of Ana Mendieta



Tim Kindberg is a writer and digital creative creating platforms and applications that foster new and inclusive forms of creativity. He will be demonstrating a prototype of Sust, a platform for empowering consumers to shop sustainably.

 

The hosted element of the event will finish at 6pm. After that, in person attendees are welcome to continue conversations in the main cafe bar area.

 

Booking info

To join us online sign up here. You will be asked for your email address so we can send you your personal link. Please try and use either Chrome or Firefox on a computer (rather than a mobile device).

If you are attending in person, there is no need to pre-book. Head to our main bar area, buy a drink if you want to, and then follow directions down to Pervasive Media Studio.

 

Keeping each other safe

If you are joining us in person, here is some useful information on what we expect from you and what you can expect from us. 

We ask you to please do the following:

  • Take a lateral flow test before attending the event.
  • Wear a mask when moving around the building, unless you are exempt. You are welcome to take it off when seated and if you are eating or drinking. 
  • Wash your hands regularly and/or use the hand sanitiser provided.
  • Not shake-hands with other attendees.
  • Socially distance at the event, wherever possible.
  • Not attend in person if you have any Covid symptoms or have been advised to self-isolate.

To help keep staff and visitors safe, Watershed staff will do the following:

  • Make sure that the venue is well-ventilated (the space can get cold, so we suggest wearing a jumper / coat)
  • Clean equipment between uses.
  • Manage the capacity to make sure spaces do not get too crowded.
  • Remind people to socially distance and wear masks.

You can read more about what we are doing to keep staff and visitors safe here.