We were asked by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford to develop an ambitious platform for artists’ commissions in the new Will’s Kitchen facility. We worked with the client closely to realise the project, collaborating with curator Craig Ashley.

The requirement was for a kiosk, driven by an iPad, that would give full control over six 4k screens to visitors, like a video juke box. In addition there was a need to curate six new projects based on the theme of Creative Ecology.

The project ultimately broke down into a staged release of projects over 4 months, at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020. The artists needed to understand how to develop 4K content and use sound appropriately in a high footfall space. We provided guidance and technical specifications to each of them.

The hardware task was achieved by creating a secure network of media servers on site, a scaled up digital signage system, with ceiling mounted speakers. A specification was then agreed, that included a software development stages.

The system was installed and tested in late 2019 for the opening of the facility. In January we rolled out a software upgrade using OSC commands from the iPad to the servers. This required an understanding of JavaScript and OSC, with a fail over layer taking the screens back to a showreel.

www.shakespeare.org.uk/wills-kitchen/artistic-commissions/

Images © Joe Magee, 2019