Bela is a multilanguage (Pure Data, Super Collider, C/C++) interactive music platform for ultra-low latency audio signal processing. The platform consists of Open Source software and hardware. Bela is used by audio enthusiasts, interactive artists, musicians, wearable technology designers, installation artists and digital tinkerers worldwide.

Constant, QO-2 and Recyclart organize an introductory workshop with this platform. The workshop fits our shared interest in imaginative tools that could open up future creative practices.

On Saturday 15 December at 15h there is an informal presentation moment by the participants of the workshop. The demo will take place at Constant, rue du Fortstraat 5, 1060 Brussels.

Bela started as a research project from the Augmented Instruments Lab led by Dr Andrew McPherson at Queen Mary University of London. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, the audio electronics platform is now a commercial product available to buy online. The workshop will introduce the basics of working with Bela and also allow participants to try out a new research project by Becky Stewart using the platform.

Becky Stewart is a lecturer in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary University of London where she is a member of the Centre for Digital Music and Centre for Intelligent Sensing. In 2011 she co-founded Codasign, an arts technology company that taught children and adults how to use code and electronics in creative projects. Since returning to Queen Mary in 2016, her research has examined the intersection of wearable computing, e-textiles, and spatial audio with a focus on interactive technologies for the performing arts.

No previous experience with hardware or programming is required. You will learn basic programming with Pure Data and then how to have the code interact with the physical world using custom sensors. Using paper craft and circuity, you will get to develop your own creative ideas and fully prototype a wearable musical performance or installation. You will need to bring along a laptop to use. Basic knowledge of pure data, super collider or C/C++ can come in handy.

Participation is free and all hardware is available for use during the workshop. If you want your own Bela, let us know, we are planning to order them.

Registration required:
please, send an email to: wendy@constantvzw.org before November 22 and tell why you want to participate. Feel free to ask more questions.
Places are limited. Maximum 12 to 15 participants

Date: Friday December 14 & Saturday December 15 from 10:00-17:00

Location: Recyclart, 13-15 Rue de Manchesterstraat, 1080 Molenbeek