Scrapyard challenge in Forres

The first of a series of seminars and workshops hosted by Distance Lab will take place this week in Inverness and Forres.

On Friday 19 January, the Scrapyard Challenge will take place at Horizon Scotland, Forres. In this full-day workshop, participants will build simple electronic musical instruments and controllers out of discarded junk such as old electronics, clothing, furniture and outdated computer equipment. 

The Scrapyard Challenge will show people how easy it is to re-use technology to make it serve a new purpose.  Participants will also build 'drawbots' (robots that can draw) from small motors, batteries and drawing materials.

Stefan Agamonolis, chief executive of Distance Lab said:  "Participants in this workshop will not only experience what it is like to tinker with electronics, but also be encouraged to think about the design of open systems and tools that allow the user to put these to a new use. No electronics skills or any experience with technology is necessary to participate so anyone s welcome to sign up, not only to learn more about technology, but also to have fun."

Some materials will be provided on the day but participants can contribute by bringing in their own junk. 

At 6pm the participants will hold a small performance concert to demonstrate their creations together as a group. This performance is free and anybody can come along.

The workshop costs £40 for each participant, covering all materials plus lunch and refreshments. Spaces are limited and should be booked in advance.

The workshop will be headed by Jonah Brucker-Cohen and Katherine Moriwaki - two accomplished techno-designer artists from New York City.  Jonah and Katherine will also hold a seminar about their work - "Deconstructing Networks" and Socially Fashioned Networks" on Thursday 18 January at 5:30pm at the Green House, Inverness.  This seminar is free and open to the public."

More information on these events can be found on the Distance Lab web site