Createch meet up: IRLURL

Image credit: Cameron’s World (cameronsworld.net).

Our digital and physical lives are becoming more and more intertwined. Our version of reality feels increasingly warped. How can we use tools at our disposal to create a new sense of self, and build communities and art away from big tech?
At this special extended Createch meet up, we look at cyberspace, avatars, DIY tech and digital archives through a programme of short films, digital experiences and hands-on building.
Curated by local artists Livi Wilmore, Kyra Cross, Kyle Mather and Adam Glen.
Createch meet ups provide a welcoming space for artists, makers and creative technologists to connect, share ideas, explore new technologies and engage with a vibrant community.
What's on:
Short Film Programme
A selection of short films exploring our relationship with the internet and digital culture
Image credit: Undead Internet Theory (Y7, Hannah Cobb & Declan Colquitt, 2025).

Undead Internet Theory // @y7y7y7 (Hannah Cobb & Declan Colquitt, 2025)
Exploring the ‘Dead Internet Theory’, this film looks at how bots, algorithms and AI are changing online culture and making human interaction harder to distinguish.
Hardly Working // @totalrefusal (2022)
Set in Red Dead Redemption 2, this film observes the repetitive routines and glitches of background characters, exploring labour, automation and virtual worlds.
Music from Minimus // @theminimus
Image credit: Minimus (Instagram).

Minimus bring an improvised sound environment featuring hacked instruments, DIY electronics and unconventional sound-making devices. Drop in, listen and explore the possibilities of experimental music. Alongside their playing, they'll share an informal demonstration of their instruments and experiments with hacked synths and modified hardware.
Make Medway - IRL Avatar Station // @makemedway
Image credit: Make Medway (Instagram).

Get hands-on with Make Medway in a printmaking activity exploring physical and digital identity. Create your own printed avatar and see it transformed into a 2D animated character, bringing your physical creation into the digital world.
Digital Avatar Station - Kyra Cross // @bossmew
Image credit: Kyra Cross.

Experiment with digital identity and self-representation. Kyra will show you how to create a 3D digital avatar using VRoid and control it using a webcam and free software.
Web Experience Pop Up
Image credit: Windows93.net.

A curated collection of web experiences exploring cyberspace. Discover alternative ways of navigating, interacting with and thinking about online spaces.
Group Round Table Discussion
Image credit: Hannah Whittaker.

Join us for an informal group discussion exploring our relationship with the internet, digital identity, online communities and the ways our digital and physical lives intersect.
Key info:
Free to attend - booking recommended
In the Café at Sun Pier House, Chatham
From 4pm-8pm
Refreshments available from café
Accessible lift and toilets onsite
Createch meet ups are a space for discussion, collaboration and investigation. Feel free to bring your ongoing project, experiment, idea, question, or problem to discuss with others at the event. Get valuable advice or help, or share knowledge with others.
As part of our Hack programme, Createch meet ups offer the opportunity to:
Socialise in an open and relaxed environment
generate ideas
test projects
troubleshoot
discover affordable and sustainable tools
exchange knowledge.
Electric Medway team will bring along technology, tools and examples from past projects to explore together. If you've ever wondered how our projects are made, wanted to try a particular piece of kit, or are looking for inspiration for your next creative tech project, this is a chance to ask questions, get hands-on, and chat with others who share your interests.
Createch meet ups in 2026 are being delivered in partnership with Sun Pier House, providing free space as part of their monthly Gallery Lates programme.
About
Createch meet ups are part of Hack, our regular sector learning programme designed to help local artists upskill in creative technology and embed it in their work practice.Launched in 2023, and with a growing membership of over 100 individuals, Hack members are able to access Createch meet ups, Power hour skill webinars, Industry masterclasses and Artist commissions.
If you're not already a Hack member, it's free to sign up here.
“As a female creative, Electric Medway’s Hack programme has been invaluable in enabling me to develop skills along with providing technical support to help me develop this piece." SOPHY MILLINGTON, COMMISSIONED ARTIST FOR HACK, REVEALING VOICES, PROJECTION MAPPING.

We have previously held sessions led by UK leaders in the XR and creative tech sector, including DARKFIELD, Sarah Ticho, John Whall, BRiGHTBLACK, Frazer Merrick, Livi Wilmore, Cybersaur Arts, Hey Green Raven, Symoné and more!
In 2024 we received partner support from Docking Station (University of Kent iCCi), A+E Lab, Hulked Project and Dovetail Games; and in 2025 we partnered with Playopolis.
Acknowledgement:This event is funded by Arts Council England and Medway Council, with partner support from Sun Pier House.