Lunch at Cubana - June 1st - An invitation from SafetyCurtain

Adventurers, do check out SafetyCurtain … (I am a trustee)

We have a fundraiser lunch on June 1st at Cubana in Waterloo, London. A small gathering. Tickets are £50.

 

A little bit about us. SafetyCurtain is a UK-based charity providing emergency aid, hardship grants, and practical support to theatre artists working under threat or in crisis zones worldwide. We believe in the power of performance to foster hope, resilience, and connection—even in the most challenging environments. By supporting artists where freedom of expression is at risk, we help keep theatre alive where it’s needed most.

 

Visit the SafetyCurtain blog for the lunch invitation

 

🎟 Tickets are £50 per person, including a welcome drink. It would be a great help if you could pre-book via JustGiving — this allows us to benefit from Gift Aid. When donating, please leave your name and reference "Cuban Lunch."

Shaping the Future of Work for Artists and Creatives - Join Us in London!

 

It’s with excitement that I can share -- Androidica is running the first in our Future of Work Workshop series — and you’re invited!

Androidica is the 6 month InnovateUK CreativeCatalyst funded R&D I've been working on. The first 'on the ground',  session is taking place in London, where Androidica founder and lead artist Hallidonto calls home.

On Friday 23rd May 2025, invited participants will gather at Studio One – The Studio Space in London’s iconic Television Centre to explore how the world of work is changing in the digital, immersive, and Web3 era.

At Androidica, our mission is to prepare disadvantaged and underrepresented artists and creatives for the future of work. We know that new technologies are not just creating new opportunities — they’re fundamentally transforming how work happens. As these shifts accelerate, it’s vital that we work together to imagine inclusive, accessible, and sustainable futures for creative practice. We know this conversation is taking place and Androidica is creating a vehicle that you can anchor you interest to as the future of work evolves. Whether you are looking for work or looking for workers, looking to create or looking to engage collaborators, looking to see immersive theatre across realities or looking to invest in making it happen we want you you with us. 

This workshop is an invitation to be part of that conversation.

Together, we’ll discuss:

• How work and workplaces are evolving with technology

• What skills, mindsets, and support systems creatives need to thrive

• How to build art and technology work pathways into the future digital economy

Participants’ insights will feed into the creation of the Androidica Living Insight Report — a living document that will track changes over time and help guide how we deliver support, access strategies, and professional development for artists and creatives.

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Event Details

📅 Date: Friday 23rd May 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Venue: Studio One – The Studio Space, Unit 9, 2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FR
🔗 Tickets: Future of Work Workshop Pass

Capacity: 25 participants
Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and snacks provided (please bring or buy your own lunch)
Bursaries: We have 5 travel and lunch bursaries available (covering TFL Zones 1–6 travel).
👉 To apply for a bursary, email: [email protected]

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Can't Make It to London?

This is just the beginning!
We plan to hold Future of Work workshops across the UK later this year and a very special Androidica event toward the end of October.
If you’d like to suggest a venue or a location near you, or if your organisation would like to host a workshop in the series, please get in touch at [email protected].

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Why It Matters

At Androidica, we believe that the future of work must be shaped by those who live it.
This workshop isn’t just about listening to experts — it’s about you: your insights, your challenges, your visions for the future.

Together, we can co-create a future where digital, immersive, and creative workspaces are inclusive, accessible, and inspiring for all.

We hope you’ll join us.

#FutureOfWork #AndroidicaLab #ImmersiveArts #Web3Creativity #AccessibilityInArts

Cybersalon's CyberiaXR Café: Bridging Past and Future in the Metaverse

Last month (Nov 26 2024), I had the privilege of speaking at ImmersiveX, a leading conference in the extended reality (XR) space, powered by the vm-people GmbH team. My session, "Cybersalon's CyberiaXR Café: Bringing a Cultural Institution into the Metaverse," focused on the fascinating journey of recreating the iconic Cyberia Café in virtual reality.

Cyberia, the world's first internet café, opened its doors in London 30 years ago. It quickly became a cultural hub for tech enthusiasts and digital pioneers. To celebrate this milestone and preserve its legacy, we've embarked on an exciting project: CyberiaXR.

Unlocking the ImmersiveArts 5K Grant: A Storyteller's Journey into Digital Narratives

Navigating the world of creative funding can feel like traversing an unknown landscape. The ImmersiveArts 5K grant represents more than just financial support—it's an invitation to explore the intersection of storytelling and emerging technologies. From virtual reality experiences to augmented narrative spaces, this funding opportunity opens doors for creators willing to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Understanding Immersive Art

At its core, immersive art invites audiences to engage in a multi-sensory experience that transcends traditional storytelling. It encourages participation and interaction, allowing individuals to become part of the narrative rather than passive observers. This grant seeks projects that not only tell a story but also create an environment where audiences can explore, discover, and contribute to the unfolding experience. It’s about crafting a world that envelops the audience, making them feel as if they are stepping into the story itself.

Key Takeaways:

• Clarity trumps complexity
• Your narrative matters more than technical jargon
• Show, don't just tell your creative vision