Over the last few months we have begun offering online workshops for people interested in making automata; one called the Automata Tinkering Workshop and another, Computational Contraptions Workshop, which concentrates on using the Micro:bit controller with mechanical devices. Both are devised and run in collaboration with the Wonderful Idea Co.

The sessions are held live from 4 pm – 6 pm UK time each week for 6 weeks, and previous participants have been from many different countries worldwide, including USA, Australia, Switzerland, Egypt, Hong Kong and Canada. Special guests and artists, including Paul Spooner and Tim Hunkin have joined us from their workshops and shared their working processes and current projects.
These online workshops will run again in autumn 2021. Sign up to our e-mail list to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale.
Here’s some feedback from the 2020 courses:
“Everyone did an awesome job and I think we all came away with renewed motivation!”
– Course Participant
“I really appreciated the diversity, kindness, and support of these sessions. Being able to ask questions was a boon for me to get a bit further along on a project that has been brewing for a few years. Thank you to everyone for a process that will continue to brew new narratives and art!”
– Donna F. 2020 Course Participant
“Thank you and the team for leading this amazing workshop. I learned so much! Not only did I learn about automata, but also about leading virtual training.”
– Cate H. 2020 Course Participant and Teacher
Here’s a video of a fun washing machine (Botch Machine!) made by Michael Maydon, a participant on the first running of our Computational Contraptions Workshop:
washing machine servo from WICO on Vimeo
How do I sign up for the fall workshop?
Thanks for asking. The best way is to sign up to our Makers email list – we’ll announce it there first.