Programming for Artists

Two day Programming for Artists workshops in Brighton and London, aimed at unlocking the door to the world of programming. The workshops offer a clear, step-by-step path into using Processing, a programming environment for creating graphics, animations and interactive works.

You’ll work on a series of interesting and creative tasks, learning how to program practically and experientially by building and playing. We’ll move at a pace that’s comfortable for the whole class, and you are encouraged to experiment along the way. Practical time is balanced with discussion and reflection on your work and programming generally, to enrich your understanding of the medium, situate your work among other creative practices and develop your own style.

On completion you will have a collection of your own sketches from the workshop, a good grasp of the fundamentals of Processing and the ability to continue working independently. You’ll be well equipped to learn more about programming, with an understanding of what it is possible to create with Processing and a sense of the creative possibilities that programming makes possible.

This course is suitable for anyone interested in programming, and may be especially interesting to artists working in or curious about visual, digital and interactive media. Some basic computer literacy would be helpful, but no previous programming experience is necessary. It is recommended that you bring your own Mac laptop. All software used is provided.

Feedback from students

“Teaching was great – The way we were talked through a process, then left to experiment with it, then offered help on a one to one basis, then group discussion. It really worked well, and kept everyone interested.”

“I thought programming might be a little over my head, but realise, like learning a new language (which I like to do), it just takes a little while to get your head round the rules and ultimately leads you to a kind of empowerment and better understanding.”

“The workshop was delivered in an easy manner so that everyone grasped the topic well. The software – Processing can become very complex but none the less it was a great choice for an approachable intro to programming. The tutor made a good choice to maintain the introductory level so that everyone was able to participate and produce results, without feeling left behind. On a personal level as a visual artist I was never able to add programming in to my skills. Since the workshop I have been able to see the potential within programming that relates to a great extend to my work”