Stormy Thursdays – Exploring the Convergence of Art and Free/Libre Technologies. Open workshops.
We are delighted to invite you to “Stormy Thursdays,” a series of interactive workshops where we delve into the intersection of art and free/libre technologies, fostering a serene space for exploration and creativity.
Discover the Art-Tech Connection: Immerse yourself in the serene blend of artistic expression and free/libre technologies, where innovation takes a tranquil form.
Participate, Craft, Share: These workshops prioritize hands-on engagement. Join us to participate actively, craft your projects, and share your creations with a community of like-minded individuals.
Free/Libre Technologies: Embrace the philosophy of open-source tools. Learn about free/libre technologies and contribute to a collaborative space of knowledge sharing.
Event Details:
Date: Every Thursday / January and February 2024 Time: 17-20 h Venue: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen
What to Anticipate:
Interactive Workshops Live Demonstrations Collaborative Project Showcases Casual Networking with Creative Minds
Who Should Attend:
Artists Tech Enthusiasts Creatives Those intrigued by the intersection of art and technology
RSVP Today: Send us an email to piksel24(at)piksel(dot)no
Let Thursdays become a canvas for peaceful creativity, an avenue for thoughtful exploration. We look forward to a serene collaboration of art and technology. See you there.
We are honored to host the Goodiepal performance at Studio 207 on Sunday 17th of December 2023. A unique opportunity to know this enigmatic and influential figure of the experimental music in Bergen.
Goodiepal: The Enigmatic Sound Pioneer
Goodiepal, born as Parl Kristian Bjørn Vester, is an avant-garde composer, electronic musician, and multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Denmark. Born on September 11, 1974, in Rønne, Goodiepal has become a fascinating figure in the realm of experimental music.
Known for his eccentric approach to sound and performance, Goodiepal has spent decades pushing the boundaries of traditional music genres.
Goodiepal’s sonic journey is a kaleidoscope of influences, ranging from electronic beats to avant-garde compositions. He has carved out a unique niche in the music scene, blending technology with a deep appreciation for the avant-garde. His performances are unpredictable, immersive experiences that challenge the norms of conventional music.
In addition to his work as a musician, Goodiepal introduced the concept of Radical Computer Music in response to the prevalent Scandinavian practice of categorizing notated music as “serious music.” Seeking to redefine the relationship between humans and machines, he advocates for communicating with computers using newly created languages. According to Goodiepal, this novel linguistic approach has the potential to elevate the man-machine relationship to a higher level, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of computer music.
Goodiepal remains an enigmatic and influential figure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of experimental music. His creative spirit continues to inspire those who seek to explore the limitless possibilities of sound and expression.
The Piksel (no) festival tours have been cancelled, the festival activities will proceed as programmed on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the tours around the city and Rare Earth Walks with Max Dovey – Piksel Kidz.
Please follow our webpage and social media for updates.
Thursday 23.11:
Piksel (NO) Festival opening Studio 207 18:30-23:00
18:30 DJ Performance Anders G.
21:00 Piksel festival activities presentation
IDLE presentation: “Discovery artists” EFEEA residency artists Flor de Fuego and Blaž Pavlica who have developed an unique visual instrument for the Web Virtual Reality (WebVR) environment IDLE using the live coding framework Hydra.
Presentation of the exhibition “A knock from below heard at the bottom” from Polina Medvedeva and the artistic director Julie Lillelien Porter from Lydgalleriet.
22:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer Showcase of Free/Libre & Open Source New Media/ DIY/OSHW / Electronic Art
Saturday 25.11: Piksel (NO) Festival “Discovery artists” EFEEA IDLE Performance.
21:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer Showcase of Free/Libre & Open Source New Media / DIY/OSHW / Electronic Art
22:00 PIKSEL (NO) Festival is presenting the “Discovery artists” EFEEA residency artists Flor de Fuego and Blaž Pavlica, IDLE Performance
23:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer Showcase of Free/Libre & Open Source New Media/ DIY/OSHW / Electronic Art
With mixed emotions, we announce the conclusion of our collaborations with the guest curators for the 2023 edition of the Piksel Festival. Due to increasing differences regarding the scope of their involvement, we feel that the only way of moving forward and still keep the integrity of the Piksel Festival is to end our collaboration at this point.
The Piksel (no) festival is still happening, festival activities will proceed as programmed on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the tours around the city.
Please follow our webpage and social media for updates.
We express our gratitude to the curators for their contributions and dedication throughout our time together. Additionally, we want to thank the artists included in the program and apologize for this last-minute decision and any inconvenience it may cause.
We remain committed to fostering creativity and excellence in our endeavors, and we eagerly anticipate new opportunities and partnerships that align with our vision and values.
Thank you for your continued support.
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Another round of Piksel Kidz is right around the corner! From Tuesday 28th of November until Friday 1st of December kids, parents, youngsters and adults are welcome to studio 207 where the digital-craft artist Florencia Alonso (Flor de Fuego) will guide the group on tips and tricks of Live coding using the open source software Hydra.
In 2015, Piksel Festival, the Bergen festival focusing on new media art and open digital culture, introduced Piksel KidZ Lab, an artistic laboratory for kids to understand and build new media artworks. After 9 years of experience working with kids and technology, the program is rooted in the autumn schools program. Piksel KidZ Lab will be held in Bergen during the autumn of 2023.
Throughout the 3 hours workshop the kids will experiment programming with very simple code sounds and visuals. The workshop intends to de-mystify technology and reveal its design decisions, limitations, and creative potential. Kids will produce a final performance all together at the end of the workshop.
In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to Hydra – a live coding environment created by Olivia Jack. Using live programming, they will have the opportunity to explore image and camera manipulation and create unique visuals. Additionally, we will discuss the various formats where video plays a crucial role, such as live concerts, art installations, and music videos.
Hydra is a web-based video synthesizer. Olivia describes live coding as writing code in real time to make visuals and/or music as part of a performance. Originally begun as a series of explorations in the browser, Hydra is now used by a large community of live coding performers who perform in clubs and other venues, as well as in online streamed performances throughout the pandemic. There are many resources for getting started with Hydra, and a number of spin-off projects including PIXELJAM, also by Olivia, which allows multiple performers to do live coding together. There are also periodic online meetups where live coders worldwide meet up to talk and show off their works created with Hydra.
Hydra is live code-able video synth and coding environment that runs directly in the browser. It is free and open-source and made for beginners and experts alike.
Duration: 4 hours. The workshop repeats every day in 2 possible schedules: mornings from 10:00 to 13:00 for schools late afternoon from 16:00-19:00 for individual kids
Age: 10-88 years old. Parents and young adults are also welcome!
Place: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, 5004 Bergen
To secure a spot, send us an email to piksel23(AT)piksel.no with the Subject line Piksel Kidz.
Remember to include the day and time you wish to sign up for as well as name and age of participants!
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The inception of Piksel Cyber Salons can be traced back to 2020, a year marked by the rapid emergence of new ways to connect in response to the global pandemic. While virtual reality (VR) was not a novel concept, WebVR became more accessible and easier to develop, aligning well with the prevailing spirit of the times.
Piksel FestSpil 2020 – COPY PASTE
The inaugural Piksel Cyber Salon took place during the Piksel FestSpil in 2020, curated by Antonio Roberts. Its aim was to embrace the essence of digital artworks that could only be exhibited in the digital realm. Artists Matthew Plummer-Fernandez and Julien Deswaef presented glitchy collages of random objects sourced from freely accessible 3D online repositories, resulting in a peculiar landscape.
The Piksel Cyber Salon was part of the Ars Electrónica Garden BERGEN
The second Piksel Cyber Salon, held in 2021, experimented with the festival’s slogan letters, transforming the salon into an electronic literature saloon. Created by artist Malitzin Cortés (CNDSD), each artwork was linked to ring-shaped sculptures, and curated video programs played continuously on various screens. A live connection was established with the festival in Bergen.
The third Piksel Cyber Salon, known as Piksel 21, embraced a semi-dark environment, symbolizing our gradual emergence from the global outbreak. Alongside digital sculptures created by 3D artist, creative coder, and sound artist Santiago Ramírez Camarena, the Cyber Salon served as a virtual arena for following the festival’s streaming activities. A TV studio was set up at Piksel to facilitate streaming, attracting newcomers to the world of streaming and expanding the content.
Marking 20 years of New Media Art and Free/Libre technologies in Norway, Piksel XX featured a seminar, special projects, an extensive exhibition, concerts, performances, artist presentations, and workshops. The fourth Piksel Cyber Salon served as a hub for experiencing all these events. Furthermore, the development of the new Cyber Salon aimed to establish a more profound connection with physical spaces. This led to the creation and premiere of IDLE in November 2022. Learn more about the IDLE project here: IDLE Project Details.
IDLE Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art
As a part of our ongoing project Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE), Piksel is hosting an information meeting/ workshop.
Friday May 26th, 12:00 – 14:00 Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen Tools needed: Own Laptop and Headphones
Open to anyone interested in creative and innovative digital solutions for the inclusion of people with reduced mobility/functionality.
The meeting will include a presentation of IDLE so far, an exploration of Piksel Cyber Salon, and end with a small workshop on how to navigate and utilize opportunities available on this platform.
The goal for the evening is to inspire participants to take further part in the project as IDLE mediators, cultural organizations, and artists.
To sign up, please send an email with the subject line “IDLE Mediator Meeting” to piksel23(at)piksel(dot)no
Ps: The event is BYOL- Bring Your Own Laptop (and headphones) !
Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE) is an innovative, artistic, and participatory project based on a digitally upgraded meeting place, Studio 207 in Bergen. The goal is to make the physical art space Studio 207 available online via Piksel Cyber Salon with the aim that everyone can interact and create new artistic experiences without having to be physically present.
The project started with the premise that social gatherings on digital platforms give a greater opportunity to participate when unable to meet up physically and explores how to open access to electronic and contemporary art in new ways.
To test the preliminary manufactured technology and eventually disseminate the completed tool, we at Piksel wish to put together a team consisting of representatives from cultural/artistic/humanitarian/health organizations or institutions that work with people with reduced mobility physically, socially, and/or infrastructural. This includes actors who wish to include the aforementioned groups in their activities.
As an IDLE mediator, one will: • Be among the first with user knowledge related to an innovative tool. • Gain expanded knowledge about creative inclusion opportunities within art and culture. • Interact with the artists behind IDLE. • Be able to influence the finished result so that it is adapted to the needs you see as suitable to be met. • Get arranged use of the Piksel Cyber Salon and specially adapted workshops organized by Piksel.
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Piksel is presenting the project IDLE Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art at the ISEA SYMBIOSIS 23 as a part of the event program Analysis, theory & politics of care (in Electronic Arts) May 17th at 4:30 GMT+2 at Mains d’Œuvres.
The event is organized by the EU funded project Toolkit of Care, an Action’s network to share collective expertise and technical knowledge employed in creative ways to develop knowledge and methodologies of care. Enabling creative technology to form a “critical network of care”.
With our ongoing project Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE) recognized as a useful tool by the Toolkit of Care network, Piksel representatives will present the concept of IDLE and its possibilities to the International Electronic Art Symposium 2023 Audience.
IDLE intends to offer a creative virtual meeting point for school kids, youngsters, people with reduced mobility, artists performing remotely who want to interact with the physical world, and all of those art curious lovers that want to look for new physical-virtual new experiences.
DIGI.KOMP is a Cultural cooperation with Slovenians partners through the EEA and Norway Grants.
DIGI.KOMP answers the growing demands for the use of digital content in society, which are difficult for teachers, other pedagogical workers, and training organizers to follow and use in their day-to-day work. Children, adults and the elderly need quality training to raise their digital competencies for work and everyday life. The main goal of the project is the development and pilot implementation of 39 new teaching and learning practices for work and life in the field of digital competencies.
Piksel has prepared 3 workshops about basic electronics, DIY bioart instruments, and digital streaming competences:
Basic electronic knowledge – how to teach computer skills, how to start working with electronics, how a computer works. Useful for teachers teaching children around 8 years old.
How to use microscope with your mobile phone – a creative approach to science that teachers can do at schools (11-18 years old or more)
How to use OBS Studio – Streaming video to different platforms (YouTube, others) where the lecturer can integrate slides, documents, web pages, different cameras, webcam, high-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing, create scenes made up of multiple sources and more.
The first part of the project is planned for March 2023 when the Piksel team travel to Slovenia to host the first series of workshops. To help lead the workshops we are lucky to be joined by the artists Sarah Grant, Hamilton Mestizo and APO33/Julien Ottavi.
In February the Spanish national TV program – Metrópolis – successfully aired a PikselXX special where they showed highlights of AV performances, the AI AI AI exhibition and interviews with artists and curators. Capturing the essence of Piksel in the beautiful framing of sunny Bergen and KiB, – Kunstskolen i Bergen, our main festival venue. The show is a must watch for any new media art enthusiast with a case of wanderlust. The full program with English subtitles can be seen here: https://www.piksel.org/nextcloud/index.php/s/Xj9oFdZnjoYNmdL
(click on the image to see the video)
Featured artist include: Oscar Martin a.k.a Noish (ES), Miller Puckette (US), Kerry Hagan (IR), Derek Curry (US), Jennifer Gradecki (US), Nick Montfort (US), Luz María Sánchez (MX), Ben Grosser (US), Özge Samanci (TR/US), Hillevi Munthe (NO), Elisabeth Schimana (AT), Sarah Grant (DE/US), Teresa Dillon (IR), Joana Chicau (PT/GB), Juan Pablo García Sossa (CO/DE), Lauren McCarthy (US), Shortwave Collective (UK).
Inkluderende Digitalt Laboratorium for Eksperimentell Kunst (IDLE) is an innovative artistic and participatory project based on a digitally updated art venue space, Studio 207, in Bergen. The goal is to unlock the room’s different audiovisual devices, remotely accessible via the Internet, enabling everyone to interact with them to create new artistic experiences even not being physically there.
The venue’s audiovisual devices are controlled remotely through a virtual gallery. Guest artists and audiences can manipulate lights, videos, and sound equipment to create different atmospheres and performances in the venue. Through the manipulation of the virtual interfaces (the gallery), inputs are transformed by the Internet of Things system to alter physically the space. The public designs spatial audiovisual experiences for those In Real Life at the venue and simultaneously in the virtual gallery!
IDLE intends to offer a creative virtual meeting point for school kids, youngsters, people with reduced mobility who wants to interact with the physical world, and all of those art-curious lovers that want to look for new physical-virtual new experiences. The project explores new collaborations and forms of interaction between different art and cultural forms.
2022 IDLE is a multi-disciplinary three years project from 2022-2024. First-year development, 2022, has focused on the research and prototyping of the user interaction system. Tasks have included forming the team, coordinating meetings, researching the 3 main fields of the project: IoT (Internet Of Things) devices, Sound and Video control interfaces, and Virtual Reality user interface; testing software and hardware solutions within the free/libre technologies, development of a prototype, IDLE version 0.0, a possible model to follow, a Bergen development team residency’s, and a final presentation of the results.
The IDLE version 0.0, have been premiered at the 20th Piksel anniversary: PIKSELXX AI AI AI festival for Kunst og Fri Teknologi. The artists and developers of the project traveled to Bergen to work together in an art residency, creating the first sound and visual, physical, and virtual experience. The presentation was held on Thursday, Nov 17th – 22-23h.at Studio 207 and the @Piksel Cyber Salon with a massive public attendance.
2023 As with any research project, we found different technical challenges over the year that lead to a re-schedule of the initial project plan. To absorb the delay we have overlapped the second-year production with the final tasks of the first year. The new schedule will facilitate the developments to achieve IDLE version 1.0 and the dissemination plan to collaborators of the second year.
2023 is the year focused on knitting the mediators network among the voluntary organizations, the professional sector at the healthcare facilities, the public workers in different municipalities, and any other inclusive association that works with groups that need special facilitation: children and young people with long stays at healthcare facilities, school kids, people with reduced mobility, etc. The 2023 goal is to transfer the technological competencies on how to use IDLE through meetings and “hands-on” workshops.
2024 Still, there is a challenge to overcome this year. The initial project is planned over 3 years, including Development, Dissemination to mediators, and Public events with final users. The Arts Council Norway has only provided funding for 2 years (2022-23).
2024 is a crucial period that will determine the success or failure of the entire process. Throughout this last year, a series of public events will show the “Art Experiences” in Norway and internationally created by the audiences and specially curated guest artists invited to participate.
In 2023 we will apply again with this project to achieve the necessary funding to finish the IDLE project as intended and planned.
IDLE is a project initiated by Piksel in 2022, in collaboration with CNDSD, Malitzin Cortés and Iván Abreu, APO33, Jenny Pickett, Julien Ottavi, Romain Papion, and Martin E. Koch.
2022 System Development
Piksel proposed to develop the project over athree year period, from 2022 to 2024. This report is about explaining what has been done in the first project’s year.
In 2022 IDLE project goals were to develop the different components of the system and to connect them through a virtual gallery:
To create the virtual gallery
To implement the IoT system at Studio 207.
To implement sound streaming tools to make online concerts with remote musicians and/or users.
To connect all the systems.
The virtual gallery The virtual gallery has taken the physical space as architectural model to enhance the understanding of the project and the identification of the venue. The system, based on innovative previously done projects, presents Studio 207 on a web-based internet VR platform.
The IoT system The IoT system has been programmed using only free and open-source technologies and every developing step is published in a local wiki. This open documentation can be used to facilitate other venues to integrate IoT technologies in their spaces.
GIASO, Sound multi-user interface
The sound user interface is based on the server software developed by Apo33, Great International Audio Streaming Orchestra, GIASO, to create a place for networked performance.
The “Great International Audio Streaming Orchestra” uses a bi-directional multiplex platform to perform and mix different audio sources (streaming). In the time of the performance, the streams (transmission) are re-composed in the broadcast space through a spatialization based on a free and multi-stream internet transmission system. GIASO creates a new form of orchestral composition where composers become virtual entities that emerge from a community of nodes – audio explorers and networked performers.
Web-dev Interface Through a browser we connect the physical devices, lights, sound, and screens at the Studio, to the VR environment, in such a way that people can interact and create new environments in real time.
Activities in Bergen related to the project
Residency
The artists and developers have been in Bergen a week on a working lab residency to fine tuning the first IDLE version. The team is originally from France, Mexico, Germany, Norway and Spain. This residency has allowed to set up the systems we have been working during 2022, connect them and test it.
Premiere at Studio 207. IDLE Versión 0.0.
On the right we can see the Studio 207 were the audience could enjoy the AV performance. The audio and visual electronic artists are located on the next office, to show clearly to the public they are controlling the Studio 207 venue. The performance can be seen at the Studio but also the audience could visit the remote work from the artists. A big monitor was showing the same performance also in the virtual gallery, the Piksel Cyber Salon.
The 2022 plan included the following practical goals:
To develop a virtual gallery Studio 207 where the people can interact.
To develop a sound interface where musicians or public can interact and send the final sound stream to the Studio 207 sound system.
To integrate the IoT system in the Studio 207, including robotic cameras, led lights, sound equipment and video equipment connected.
To make a website to use at Studio 207 to control the IoT system in situ.
To publish the project findings to the general public and other cultural organizations.
To disseminate the project.
Done tasks:
To study the possibilities actual software and hardware based on free/libre technologies.
To test them, to test the limitations and find out how to implement a solution easy to use.
To put in common the different knowledge of the team members to achieve the final goals.
To meet all over the year to coordinate the different teams: The IoT team, created by Martin E. Koch, Gisle Frøysland and Maite Cajaraville, the sound development system with Jenny Pickett, Julien Ottavi and Román Papión, and the virtual environment team Iván Abreu and Malitzin Cortés.
To make a week residency inviting all team members in Bergen to be able to actually work in real life and in te real physicial space.
To write down reports, documentation and graphical information about the system and how to implement it.
– A wide research has been done on software and hardware related to each field. Therefore, we are in a better position to decide how to develop the final solution.
– We encountered several technical barriers that led us to change the software and hardware tools we had in mind. On the other side, to confirm our guess, we opened a communication channel with the Mozilla Hubs developers team. They confirmed several of our concerns, meaning we have got some awareness of the project and a better vision of how to get our goals.
– The project is very complex. We knew that. We calculate we have done approx a 75% of the planned project, which we believe is a good result.
– The team has met and decided how to work and is highly engaged in the process and the project.
– The activities in Bergen have been very successful, in public attendance and teamwork.
– To develop a project like this, the residency format works very well. It is highly recommended and effective.
Next steps:
In the first 6 months of 2023 we expect to have a new IDLE version 1.0, easy to use for external audiences. In parallel, we plan to start the second year activities.
The second year, once the system is functioning, we want to develop a dissemination plan together with voluntary organizations, the professional sector at the healthcare facilities, the public workers in different municipalities, and any other inclusive association who works with groups that need special facilitation: children and young people with long stays at healthcare facilities, school kids, people with reduced mobility, etc. Adding to that we want to invite national and international artists as well as the civil society to participate in the common creation. A series of workshops will be hosted at Piksel to transfer the competences from the Piksel team to collaborators and mediators.
The third year we will execute the dissemination plan in Norway and internationally through a series of public events where the different “Art Experiences” created by the public will be shown along the year. Specially curated guests artists will be invited to participate.
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Welcome to Piksel09 – the 7th annual Piksel festival!
This years theme – f[re](e){op}[en]able – is a play on the words free, open and able. This is our way of celebrating the 7th festival with a meta theme which in a poetic way express the fundamental topics that have been the main focus of Piksel from the start – artistic practice built on technological freedom!
Welcome to the 23rd edition of the Piksel Festival for Art and Technological Freedom! 💫From November 20th to 23rd, Bergen transforms into the stage for cutting-edge electronic art, with 3 days of workshops, artist presentations, audiovisual concerts and exhibitions across the city.🔌✨ Join us to explore the intersection of art, open source, and free technology at one of Europe’s most innovative festivals. 📍 Bergen, Norway📅 November 20–23 https://25.piksel.no #ElectronicArt #NewMediaArt
Piksel Festival – Volunteers Needed Piksel Festival 25 is approaching, taking place from November 20-23, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make this electronic art festival a success! To apply: Please send an email to info@piksel.no with the subject line "Volunteer Piksel Festival 25" or sign up here: https://piksel.no/2025/10/31/piksel25-festival-looking-for-volunteers #Piksel25 #ElectronicArt #FreeTech #Bergen #ArtFestival #AudiovisualArt #NewMediaArt #PikselFestival
Piksel25November 20-23 2025Bergen, Norway Dear friends, We are excited to announce the call for projects for the 23nd edition of the Piksel Festival! We look forward to receiving your submissions! !! Deadline -- October 31st 2025 !! Please use the online submit form at: https://pretalx.com/piksel25/
