Algorithmic Pattern is a hybrid conference/festival, bringing together researchers and practitioners curious about the practice and culture of algorithmic pattern-making.
People have always made algorithms to make patterns, and so Algorithmic Pattern brings heritage arts and crafts (e.g. procedural approaches in textiles and fiber arts, juggling, choreography, bell-ringing, etc) together with those born in the contemporary information age (e.g. live coding, generative art, e-textiles, demoscene). Algorithmic patterns often involve the creation and manipulation of notations (e.g. weaving drafts, juggling siteswaps), but are also alive in oral culture and living memory (e.g. carnatic music, worksong).
The focus is on hands-on pattern-making in human culture, and so ‘Artificial Intelligence’, unsupervised/automated pattern generation, and patterns in nature are not core themes. However, these might factor within larger, human-centric systems.
We anticipate that following our salon in 2023, Algorithmic Pattern will become a regular event, taking place every two years.
Key information
This is a pre-announcement, more details to follow! Please join our mailing list for key updates.
A call for proposals will open in January with deadline in May, and notification of acceptance in June.
The event will take place in two parts:
- In-person in Sheffield, and streamed online: 12-14th September 2025
- On-line, with in-person ‘watch party’ in Sheffield and potentially other sites: 19-20th September 2025
Please note that the dates for the second part are provisional and may change. This structure aims to be inclusive, and offer both in-person and online contributors a first-class experience. It also aims to be sustainable: those attending in-person are encouraged to take low-carbon travel options and combine multiple visits into one.
Written contributions will be published fully diamond open access (i.e. with no article processing charges), and archived with DOI registration.
We are not yet able to confirm our budget, but at minimum the event will be free to attend for unsponsored contributors.
Team
- Alex McLean
- Anu Reddy
- Dave Griffiths
- Iván Paz
- Laura Devendorf
- Lizzie Wilson
- Lucy Cheesman
- Ray Morrison
- Vernelle A. A. Noel
Contact
If you have questions about any of the above, please do get in contact by emailing Alex McLean at alex@thentrythis.org.
For occasional news and updates, please join our mailing list.
You can connect with the wider community via the Algorithmic Pattern online forum.