New Automata Tinkering Workshop

We are delighted to introduce our first online workshop starting this September.

Our automata tinkering workshop is an online course for artists, makers and educators, where you’ll learn about the world of automata – playful, humorous kinetic sculptures.

It will take place in six, 2-hour sessions on Wednesdays from 16th Sept – 21st October 2020. 4-6 pm in UK (8-10am PST, 5-7pm in Europe)

This workshop is suitable for all abilities as long as you are prepared to develop your own creative ideas and experiment with us. 

It is perfect for you if:

• You want to find out more about automata and how they are made. 
• You want to develop your artistic practice in a new discipline. 
• You are an educator who wants to inspire adults and children with tinkering or STEAM activities.

We generally limit the age to 16 years old+ though exceptions can be made where appropriate. 

You will need 

• a computer with a good internet connection, 
• a place to work (kitchen table, workshop, garage) 
• the ability to procure a set of common household materials from a provided list. 

Kit components, including a prototype version of our new Automata Tinkering Kit and a copy of our book, Cabaret Mechanical Movement, will be mailed to you before the course of workshops commences. 

Experienced facilitators from our friends at Wonderful Idea Co. will guide participants through the workshops. We’ll meet automata artists and together we’ll reflect on the ways that constructing kinetic sculptures can influence your practice.

Course outline 

16/09 – Week One – Welcome and Introductions – What is automata? – Practical Session: Cranky Contraptions

23/09 – Week Two – Practical Session with Stephen Guy – Cardboard Automata 

30/09 – Week Three – Pre-recorded exclusive interview with Paul Spooner – Ryan Jenkins of Wonderful Idea Co. talks to Paul about his working practice and current projects.

– Practical Session: Introducing CMT Automata Tinkering Kit 

7/10 – Week Four – Practical Session and Personal Development

14/10 – Week Five – Best Practices for online Tinkering Facilitators – Roundtable 

21/10 – Week Six – Prototyping with motors/programming – Next Steps 

About our course facilitator Wonderful Idea Co:

Wonderful Idea Co. is a creative design studio developing resources to support the exploration of art science and technology through making and tinkering founded in 2017. They have led workshops around the world for hundreds of creative educators.

Learning Online:

This workshop has been adapted to function in the current covid-19 moment of experimentation with making and tinkering in virtual settings. While not the primary focus of the workshop, the session will be a chance for participants to develop their own practice for online workshop delivery. 

Price:  Early Bird until 14th August £275.00

Full Price until 1st September £325.00

Registration closes 1st September to allow for materials to be sent to participants.

You can book your place using the button below or via the workshop Eventbrite page.