Digital Bridges: Networking Tools for Collaborative Creation
In-person at InterAccess - Register here
Registration Fee: $30 Member | $50 Non-Member
This hands-on workshop will explore networking tools for connecting devices and creative softwareacross distance. Working in pairs, you'll learn to use free software (Tailscale, Chataigne, OSC) to create direct connections between your creative systems that can be used for real-time collaborative art-making and creating multi-siteinstallations that transcendgeographical boundaries.
Through collaborative challenges and creative experiments, we'll explore:
- Setting up secure, direct connections between artists' computers and devices
- Real-time data sharing between creative software (TouchDesigner, Max MSP, p5.js, Ableton, etc.)
- Designing interactive "handshakes" between different artistic practices
- Creating shared digital canvases and synchronized audio-visual experience
You'll be paired with another participant to create working connections, experiment with distance duets and sensor swaps, and develop plans for future collaborative projects. This workshop emphasizes relationship-building and community care through technology, moving beyond individual skill acquisition toward collective creative power.
Come ready to experiment, be vulnerable, and forge new creative partnerships. Bring any sensors, controllers, or creative hardware you'd like to incorporate into collaborative works.
This workshop is co-presented with UKAI Projects and Cultural Technologies Lab.
Header image courtesy of the artist.
Prerequisite Knowledge
- Basic familiarity with at least one creative software platform (any level)
- Comfort with installing software and basic troubleshooting
- Interest in collaborative art-making and community building
- No networking or programming experience required, but openness to technical experimentation essential
Workshop Requirements
Participants should bring:
- Computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux with WiFi capability
- Smartphone or tablet as secondary device for testing connections
- Power adapter essential
- Optional: USB webcam, microphone, sensors, or creative hardware for enhanced interaction
Participants should complete 1 week before:
- Create free Tailscale account at https://tailscale.com/
- Download and install Tailscale on both laptop and phone/tablet
- Download Chataigne from https://benjamin.kuperberg.fr/chataigne/en
- Ensure your creative software of choice is installed and working
- Bring any sensors, controllers, or creative hardware you'd like to incorporate
If you run into any issues with installing or using this software, contact education@interaccess.org for troubleshooting advice.
About the Instructor
Benjamin Lappalainen is a Toronto-based creative technologist, educator, and multidisciplinary artist creating interactive installations that blur the boundaries between digital and physical experience. His work explores how emerging technologies can foster new forms of human connection and creative expression, often incorporating computer vision, AI, and algorithmic processes into innovative interaction design.
InterAccess's 2025 Education Programming is made possible through the support of EQ Bank.
Equity Access Pricing: To reduce financial barriers, a pay-what-you-can discount is available for any community members that self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group. To request an Equity Access code to use for workshop registration, please email education@interaccess.org. Studio Members also receive a discounted rate on workshops, in addition to other great benefits.
Accessibility Information: We are located on the second floor of the building, which is accessible by two flights of stairs or an elevator. The front entrance has an automatic push door and is accessible by ramp or a short flight of stairs. Inside, all InterAccess facilities are on the same level, including a single-user accessible washroom.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: We are unable to guarantee attendee cancellations or refunds less than 1 week prior to a workshop or event. InterAccess reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this workshop if necessary. Please email education@interaccess.org to request a refund.
Questions? If you have any questions about the workshop or special requirements, please contact us at education@interaccess.org.