Performing Open Source

This lecture explores the artist-developer relationship in artist-led open source software projects, drawing on my own personal experience with UpStage. UpStage is an open source web-based platform for cyberformance (live online theatrical performance), initiated in 2003 by myself and three other artists because we were in need of a purpose-built platform for our work. Eight years on, UpStage is used by many artists and students around the world and I find myself in the role of a software development manager – learning about SVN, updating trac, seeking alternative server solutions and coordinating volunteer developers – at the same time as trying to continue my artistic practice. In 2012 I hope to undertake a research project investigating the role of networked creative communities in artist-led software projects, and I am interested in initiating discussion with other artists around these issues.