The Algorithmic Pattern research fellowship project is run by Alex McLean, Dave Griffiths and Lucy Cheesman at non-profit/open access lab Then Try This, funded by UKRI future leaders fellowship grant number MR/V025260/1. The purpose of this project is to learn from the “heritage algorithmic arts”, in order to rethink the design principles of creative technology. Heritage algorithmic arts are those where through history, ways of making have been formalised and embedded in creative culture. The first stage of the project ran from December 2021-2025, which has now been renewed for a further three years until December 2028, with Ray Morrison joining as post-doc from December 2026.
The project consists of work with a wide range of collaborators in equal partnership, so far including:
- Lucy Cheesman and Ray Morrison – “Pattern Club” – a series of events exploring contemporary and heritage algorithmic patterns in Sheffield
- Kate Sicchio – Algorithmic choreography
- Luke Iannini and Jack Armitage – Algorithmic alphabets in RealTalk
- Julian Rohrhuber – Speculative live coding interfaces
- Paola Torres Núñez del Prado – Khipu-inspired interfaces
- Luigina Ciolfi – Computer Supported Co-operative Work
- Lizzie Wilson, Mika Satomi, Deva Schubert and Juan Felipe Amaya Gonzalez – “Patterns in between intelligence” – a project exploring patterns in code and movement in live performance
- Iván Paz and Lizzie Wilson – “Patterns in deep time” – workshops exploring patterns in both contemporary live coding and ancient tablet weaving
We also host research residents developing their own projects, so far including:
- V Buckenham – letter patterns
- Antonio Roberts – live coding visuals
- Saachi Kaup – mandala patterns
- I Nahkla – vocal patterns
- Geraldine Jones – cycloid weaving
- Anuradha Reddy – kambi kolam patterns
Advisory board
- Kristina Andersen
- Luigina Ciolfi
- Ellen Harlizius-Klueck
- Luke Iannini
- Andrew McPherson
- Annapurna Mamidipudi
- Julian Rohrhuber
