Join us for an afternoon packed full of guided tours, playful workshops, games and events run by Studio residents on Sat 18 March. We'll be opening the Studio's doors between 12:00 - 17:00 to share ideas for creative careers as part of our celebration of the Pervasive Media Studio’s 15th birthday.

The Open Day is for the curious minded with plenty to see and do throughout the afternoon and it’s all FREE. Here's an idea of what to expect:

Sign up on the day for an Informal tour of the Studio! These will run every 30 minutes and offers the opportunity to meet a member of the team and learn a bit more about what happens in the Studio. Tours will last approximately 20mins. The last tour will be at 16:00.

• The 15:00 Studio Tour will feature BSL interpretation and we will have BSL interpreters in the Studio between 14:00 and 16:00.

Rate your Jedi skills by pouring a drink using the power of your mind! Studio resident Seth Jackson and his new venture Arcade Strange have created the world's only mind-controlled beer pouring robot. The Arcade Strange robotic tap will be ready to test your mental powers to the limit, so come enjoy a family friendly ginger beer and check it out for yourself.

Meet Shrouk El-Attar and their bellydancing robot. Shrouk is a dancer, engineer and LGBT refugee from Egypt who brought their art and engineering skills together to create a gender non-conforming bellydancing robot as something that brings joy for all and starts important conversations. Pop in to meet Shrouk and their prototype robot!

Meet filmmaker Amy Smith and artist Scarlett Smyth to learn more about forging a career in the Creative Industries. Amy and Scarlett have both undertaken development programmes at Watershed and worked as part of the Studio’s Talent Development team. They will be on hand to show you some of their work and chat about opportunities in your city!

Learn how to animate in virtual reality. Pervasive Media Studio resident filmmaker Reuben Armstrong will be demo-ing his hand-painted, audio-led, 360º VR immersive experience – ‘These Sounds Save Lives’.

Find out that Algorithms are art! And coding is creative! Meet eccentric scientist and prizewinning concert pianist Larkhall. Larkhall has invented a computer system named Otto, who creates live visual projections responding in real time to his performance. See technology, visual art and music collide in this moving, cinematic performance of the future.

Join local theatre company Tessa Bide Productions to learn about their accessible new production The Detective Dog, made for Deaf and hearing audiences to enjoy together. Sniff some mystery scents and meet Nell herself! An adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, published by Macmillian.

Join poet Deanna Rodger and producer Liz Counsell to be introduced to the power of poetry and conductive ink, in this fun-filled creative technology workshop. No experience necessary!

Meet writer, artist and game maker Constance Fleuriot! Constance will be offering the chance to playtest Wonzie World, a game for multiple generations to cooperatively play that encourages children to say No! Wonzie World is coming soon for pc, Mac and touchscreen. It will also be available as a boardgame for those who like to get family and friends around the table. Constance has been a Pervasive Media Studio resident since it opened. She now runs Pretty Digital Creative Labs in the space, a project that supports those who want to start designing and making their own games and apps.

The elephant robot in the room: David Smee from AniBotics - who create animal robots - will be sharing how their link to animal charities has inspired the creation of an educational AI robot to help young children's independent learning

Join a fun-filled Minecraft Build-a-thon workshop where you can unleash your creativity and build amazing structures in the virtual world! Whether you're a seasoned Minecraft player or a beginner, this workshop is designed to help you develop your building skills and learn new techniques. With guidance from our experienced Minecraft experts, you'll have the opportunity to explore different themes and create your own unique builds. The workshop is suitable for all ages and will provide a safe and friendly environment to meet and connect with other Minecraft enthusiasts. So grab your pickaxe and let's get building!

Plus over in the Café & Bar Bristol Street Artist and Studio resident Andy Council will be creating new work in his distinctive style all day. Mythical creatures composed of different elements relating to Watershed and the city will be drawn live. Andy will be on hand to give advice on creating your own creatures throughout the day -  so come along and draw your own Watershedasaurus!

Activities will run throughout the afternoon so you are welcome to drop in anytime between 12:00-17:00. We look forward to meeting you!  

The Pervasive Media Studio is a collaboration between Watershed, University of Bristol and UWE Bristol. It is made possible with support from Arts Council England.

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