Hey Adam,
Sounds like a fab idea!
I run Artful Spark (artfulspark.org) with @samhoweynunn, which is along similar lines: getting people with various levels of experience in art, technology, culture, heritage, theatre, film etc in a room to share inspiration, discuss cross-discipline collaboration and get hands-on with tech demos.
A 90second intro: https://vimeo.com/169242392
A 90second summary of the last event, in collab with RSC: https://vimeo.com/252847177
Some quick learnings / thoughts / advice
- The events are quarterly, lasting 2-3 hours, and we spend about 20 person days a quarter making it happen
- Most time goes into finding a venue and programming speakers/demos; on the night is the easy bit!
- The format combines inspirational talks but also space to get practical and hands-on with tech. Generally 2 speakers, 2 demos.
- The demos add a lot of value, often giving people a rare chance to play with some tech
- We'd like to encourage more breakout/design-thinking moments but it's hard for this not to feel forced / overly structured
- People will gladly contribute ideas if it's in the spirit of mutual learning. And they're sufficiently lubricated (creatively / alcoholically)
- MailChimp is the main mode of comms. Slack has been discussed, mostly because the community is keen to continue sharing afterwards.
You should definitely give Verity a call at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol, she'd be happy to chat about how they create an atmosphere of collaboration and exploration. Verity McIntosh <[log in to unmask]> // 0117 3708870
Keep us posted on your progress!
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