How to organize a summer academy

About bugs, bots & bytes

H&D belives designers and artists, in a world moving more and more digital, should be empowered with the tools of the digital realm including coding and hardware usage and construction. Conversely programmers and makers should be more comfortable and effective in engaging in creative process through familiarity with the vocabulary of designers and artists. All disciplines should become more comfortable in theoretical and social discourse, and thus be asking questions such as not only “can we” but “should we”.

In 2015 Hackers & Designers launched their first summer academy. Stirred by the title of "About Bugs, Bots and Bytes" H&D curated a hands-on program including, workshops, excursion, a public film screening and lectures. The biggest part of the program took place in De PUNT, an art & project space in the center of Amsterdam. Fostering an understanding of contemporary digital culture and maximising participation ambiguities and misconceptions about topics like privacy, surveillance, open source, user-controlled platforms, role of algorithms, digital-self and identity were researched in a playful and hands-on manner.

The immersive program of the Summer Academy allowed participants to build relationships and investigate new technology and design media, and equipped them with technological tools, collaboration opportunities, cross-disciplinary vocabulary, and an understanding of tech and design tools in a social context.

The cover charge of €350,00 per participant covered the 10 day program, a welcome dinner, daily lunches and an arduino kit.