Announcing: Tools for Creativity at the School For Poetic Computation
(a version of this post as an Instagram Reel)
I'm running a class for the School of Poetic Computation! It's about making creative tools. Nick Murray is going to be my assistant teacher. Applications are open til Monday 10th August!
Let me explain what I mean by creative tools, first. They're objects (physical or software or social) which allow you to fuck about and make something. They overlap with but are not games — they're not about giving you a goal. And they overlap with but are not productivity tools — they're not something you sit down at to Accomplish A Task. Instead, you sit down and you play with them and you make something that you wouldn't have made otherwise.
They're something I like to make! I've made a few — most notably Cheap Bots, Done Quick! and Downpour. And in this class we're going to talk about them and figure out some ways to get better at making them.
I like making them because... well, when it comes down to it, it feels pretty selfish. I like it when I see something that someone has made, something that feels very them. Something that I would never have made. And I especially love it when I know that they could not have made that thing if I hadn't been involved somewhere. Somehow you manage to get the joy of creation while still being surprised by the thing itself.
You can also get this same feeling from teaching, I hear? This will be my first time running an actual course with multiple sessions building on each other. I've run a bunch of workshops, I've given talks and guest lectures — especially in the past few years, with Downpour. I'm excited for it! Also a little scared — but I'm taking the scared feeling as a good sign to work hard and prepare well.
Anyway, if you'd like to apply, as I say, applications are open til the 10th. Do get in touch[1] if you have any questions, very happy to answer them.
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