A deliberate play on words, the title refers to both programming computers, and programming spaces - coding and curating. As Creative Technologists in residence at Spike Island as part of the Happenstance residency project, Linda Sandvik and Kevin Walker have been exploring this relation by creating and testing some prototype technologies, and training staff, artists and designers in computational thinking, including programming concepts and basic electronics. The aim is to utilise technology to transform both artistic and commercial practice by making it 'digital by default,' without being too programmatic - in other words, giving people control over computers rather than the other way around.

We are doing this by demonstrating how computers don't have to be boxes that we stare into all day, motionless. They can be, essentially, any object or space that can be endowed with a limited form of intelligence for recording, processing and influencing. Specifically, we are installing simple sensors around the building to make it interactive; embedding practices for recording, connecting and storytelling; linking different locations and professions; and engaging in 'culture hacking' - opening up the organisation, poking around, and making new things.

This event is co-produced with Spike Island as part of Happenstance. 

Happenstance aims to change the way arts organisations use technology. The first stage of Happenstance is a residency programme: two creative technologists have been placed in pairs within three of the UK’s most vibrant and exciting arts organisations - Lighthouse  in Brighton, Site Gallery in Sheffield and Spike Island in Bristol. 

Happenstance have organised two Open House events, which are a chance for the residents to talk about their process, and how they are experimenting, prototyping and making interesting things happen.

To find out more visit the Happenstance project blog at http://happenstanceproject.com/

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around. Send an email to admin@pmstudio.co.uk