Live Coding Visuals for Beginners (ASC125)

This workshop will also introduce you to the world of live coding, in which artists and musicians create performances through code!

What will you learn on this course?

Led by visual artist Antonio Roberts, aka hellocatfood, you will be introduced to Hydra, a platform for live coding visuals. The programme is built in javascript by coder and artist Olivia Jack and can be extended through the use of custom image textures, videos and webcam inputs.

By the end of the workshop you will learn:

• the history of live coding and the many approaches for creating live coded audio-visual performances.
• the basics of using Hydra
• how different image sources (such as oscillators, shapes, cameras, windows) can be transformed, modulated, and composited together
• the skills needed to perform using Hydra.

If you've ever been curious about using code to make visuals and aspire to perform at live coding events and Algoraves, then this workshop is perfect for you!

Artist Bio – Antonio Roberts (as a drop down)

Antonio Roberts is an artist, musician and curator based in Birmingham, UK. His practice is concerned with how the misuse of digital technology impacts people of colour and other marginalised groups.

His recent work focuses on the depiction of Black people in digital media, ranging from stereotypical misrepresentations in early video games to modern algorithms and AI codifying existing biases.

His (Algo|Afro) Futures mentoring programme teaches live coding software as a way to address how Black people have been under/mispreresented in digital art and electronic music, despite being pivotal to its development.

He is currently learning game development, with the aim to explore how immersive environments can be used as a narrative storytelling device. He is also working on his debut EP, created using a combination of live coding software and hardware synthesisers.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is aimed at beginners who have no previous experience, as full guidance will be given at all stages.

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.

Do you need to bring anything?

All materials and equipment are provided.

You can bring a Laptop with webcam and internet browser (Google Chrome or Firefox) if you wish.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs, all materials and equipment are included

Who teaches this course?

Antonio Roberts