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Ben Neal

@psiconlab.bsky.social
466 followers 960 following 242 posts

Arts-focused freelance Creative Technologist, Digital Artist, programmer, games/gadget builder, educator. Making technology-infused Immersive Art experiences. www.displace.org.uk www.psiconlab.co.uk

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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is one of the most mind-boggling things I've read for a while. If you have an interest in the senses and vision, every page is a wonder.
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pmstudiouk.bsky.social @pmstudiouk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
In this week's Lunchtime Talk on Fri 2 Oct 13:00-14:00, Bristol-based Immersive Storyteller, Dominique Vyborna will share all you've ever needed to know about immersive character creation and storytelling. Book a ticket on our website: www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/14340/inhabiting-strange-lives
watershed.co.uk
Inhabiting Strange Lives
In this Lunchtime talk, Bristol-based Immersive Storyteller, Dominique Vyborna will share all you've ever needed to know about immersive character creation and storytelling. Book now.
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
AI has a problem. The problem is, no one cares about driverless car races
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I'm currently navigating cash flow problems. Look at @artsprofessional.co.uk 's survey (2025) on UK Art sector! Freelancers creating the work are the most insecure and at risk. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/wp-content/u... Webinar by @thespacearts.bsky.social soon. www.thespace.org/event/how-do...
Burnout, unpaid overtime, and emotional overextension have become not just accepted but valorised, framed as proof of passion and professionalism. Freelancers create most of the artwork42% of respondents indicated that the lack of stability is a barrier that excludes many talented people
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The Space @thespacearts.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Calling all freelance creatives! Over the coming months we’re running a webinar series offering advice to help you thrive in these challenging times. The first one is about navigating uncertain income on Thur 22nd Oct: bit.ly/4xHGCLc More details about the other sessions coming soon! #Freelancers
Poster featuring pop art style illustrations of a money jar, slogan tee and a lightning bolt, announcing The Space's webinar series for creative freelancers taking place between October and December 2026.
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The Space @thespacearts.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
@ijaddance.bsky.social has announced Open Online Theatre Arts/Tech Residency 26/27 – a six-month hybrid Arts/Tech residency where participants can experiment with technologies including VR, AI, volumetrics, motion capture and multi-camera live streaming. buff.ly/5S0xJH7
buff.ly
Open Online Theatre Arts/Tech Residency 2026–27 – IJAD Dance Company
Open Online Theatre — ResidencyNovember 2026 – April 2027
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Birmingham Open Studios is 2 weekends (Sept 26-27 & Oct 3-4) in which artists all over the region open their studio doors to visitors. There's an app that helps you travel from place to place. Joe Lycett says go explore! birminghamopenstudios.co.uk/download-our...
birminghamopenstudios.co.uk
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Skarredghost @skarredghost.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
BREAKING: Steam Frame has been launched! The price starts from $1,059 and it comes with a standalone build of Half-Life: Alyx! skarredghost.com/2026/09/14/s... #VirtualReality #VR #technology #SteamFrame #hardware
skarredghost.com
Steam Frame starts from $1,059/€1,049
Valve finally unveiled the price of the Steam Frame. It is going to be around $1,050. Various accessories are also available for it.
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Immersive Arts UK @immersiveartsuk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We have some big and exciting news! 📣 We've secured over £8.5m to continue supporting UK artists working with immersive technologies until 2030. Further details, including funding opportunities, will be shared in the New Year. Read the announcement: immersivearts.uk/news/8-5m-second-phase-funding/
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It's difficult to understand now how mind blowing watching the original Japanese version of The Ring was at the time. I remember rewatching the scene where she crawls out of the TV - just to make sure it really happened in the film
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Absolutely recommend Handy if you ever need speech to text functionality that runs on a number of devices and is free. Currently using it on Windows and it's great! handy.computer
handy.computer
Handy
Handy is a cross platform, open-source, speech-to-text application for your computer
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The application portal is now open for Round 3 of Incentivising Touring Repayable Grants for Theatre and Dance (ITRG)! Before you apply, you must book a 10 min conversation with a member of the team. Booking is open until 18 September. Book your call bit.ly/4f0Spgm
bit.ly
Incentivising Touring Repayable Grants for Theatre and Dance
Read the guidance for Incentivising Touring Round 3, including eligibility and how to make an application.
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Campaign for the Arts @campaignforthearts.org · 02/09/2026
That's why we're demanding the new PM make the arts: 🌱 Available from childhood 🔓 Accessible to all 🗺️ Thriving everywhere ✏️ Sign the petition: www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/10...
campaignforthearts.org
Prime Minister – put the arts in your 10-year plan for the UK | Campaign for the Arts
Sign our petition urging the UK Government to build a country where the arts are available from childhood, accessible to all and thriving everywhere.
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Unlimited @weareunlimited.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Would you like to create a new sound, music, digital or audiovisual work that pushes the boundaries of audience experience? We're partnering with @crypticglasgow.bsky.social to offer a £40k award to a disabled artist based in Scotland. Apply by Mon 28 Sept: bit.ly/UPAc
A photo of an image projected onto a large sheet hanging from the ceiling. People go up to look at it in a dark room, lit only by the projection and some dim red spotlights.
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Immersive Arts UK @immersiveartsuk.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Who’s joining us in Llandudno this September? 🥳 From Wed 9- Fri 11 Sept The Big Thing is bringing more than 70 workshops, performances and networking events to North Wales, all inspired by this year's theme, Play's the Thing. immersivearts.uk/events/the-big-thing
A group of diverse individuals standing in a room, each holding a smartphone and engaged in conversation.
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The Space @thespacearts.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Whether you’re an artist, a producer or simply curious about how artists use digital technologies to share their stories, join our webinar next week to explore a theme that connects us all: home 🏠 13 Aug at 11am: bit.ly/4fAkts9 #Home #DigitalArt
Still from ‘Home X’ by Kakilang, of a dancer jumping up in a forest setting, announcing The Space’s webinar ‘Where inspiration lives: Artists on Home’ taking place on Thursday 13th August at 11am.
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BOM @bomlab.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Spaces are filling up for our Immersive Workshops! 💚 There are still spots left for our workshops, which return for 2 weeks from 1st September. These sessions are fully funded by CreaTech Frontiers and available to participants living in the West Midlands. Find out more 👉🏼 bom.org.uk/immersivewor...
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BOM @bomlab.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Our Immersive Workshops in partnership with CreaTech Frontiers are back! 📣 Returning from the 1st of September, we’re running 2 weeks of taster sessions. These courses are free and available to individuals living in the West Midlands. Find out more: bom.org.uk/immersivewor...
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
THIS. AI might help you, but maybe it wont help you learn well. AI also makes experienced coders lazy! (like me!) youtu.be/HTUh0OO6Kmo?...
youtu.be
What AI does to the minds of novice coders
YouTube video by JetBrains Academy
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Interesting Jon Rafman interview on disparate sub cultures, the dissolving of meaning, and the flattening of the internet www.anothermag.com/art-photogra...
anothermag.com
Jon Rafman: “The Fan Art Is More Interesting than the Canon”
The artist’s new book in collaboration with Alix Ross and Liam Denhamer, MSM Vol 2, explores the collapse of the mainstream and the ‘fragmented’ world that follows
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Immersive Arts UK @immersiveartsuk.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Join us in Llandudno, Wed 9 - Fri 11 September for our annual event The Big Thing! This year's theme, Play's the Thing, explores how artists invite audiences into their work in playful, meaningful and empowering ways. Read about the full programme: immersivearts.uk/news/the-big-thing-in-llandudno
Bright coral splash graphic above bold white text announcing The Big Thing in Llandudno, Wales, September 9-11, 2026.
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Centrala @centralaspace.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
We are seeking a creative and committed Marketing & Communications Officer to join our team! Head to our website to learn more. #ArtsJobs
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Nick Murray @cassettewitch.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This is going to be excellent! Along with all the livecoding goodness, Tom Fox will be showing off his SPOKE board, and Lia Mice is bringing along her Soft Cymatics playable tapestry.
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Why do Tesco self service tills now have the voice of Noel Fielding??
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
AI coding agents - literally doing my job for me and also putting me out of work, but heck - here's the best of em medium.com/@writertripa...
medium.com
Claude Code vs Cursor vs OpenAI Codex: Which AI coding tool should you use in 2026?
I’ve been staring at my coding setup for the past week, trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I have a new website. It's a different approach to my usual "portfolio first" mindset. It's also heavy on the animation. Does it work for you, or not? www.psiconlab.co.uk
psiconlab.co.uk
Psicon Lab (Ben Neal) - Freelance Creative Technologist and Digital Artist
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The Space @thespacearts.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Are you in an arts/cultural organisation in need of some digital support? 🤔 Thinking about.... ❓Developing online audiences ❓Creating digital content ❓Generating income from digital ❓Making best use of archive content or collections Find out about our FREE support - bit.ly/Ment26_Bluesky
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Anyone into Substack?
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Marie Foulston @tigershungry.co.uk · 23/06/2026
🟢🔵🟡🔴 West Mids & Warks playful folks from Fri July 10th we're hosting a new series of free playful co-working afternoons. It'll be a relaxed time for folks to playtest, prototype and hangout in the comfort of Leamington's Dice Box Cafe. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-co-wo... pls + thnx for sharing!
artwork for Let's Co-Work. flyer features colouful shapes and the CreaTech Frontiers logo.
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BOM @bomlab.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
📣 Calling all performers &producers! 📣 Our deadline for our Immersive Arts Bootcamp: Real-time Technologies is next week on Friday 26th June! There are a few spots left on our FREE course teaching TouchDesigner & Unreal Engine, focusing on live performance. Apply 👉🏼 bom.org.uk/immersive-ar...
bom.org.uk
Immersive Arts Bootcamp 2026 - BOM Birmingham Open Media
BOM is an immersive arts organisation. We engage and empower communities through immersive technology and inclusive learning programmes.
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
It's a great time to be alive if you want to be a deceiver!
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
An interesting study, but maybe not especially surprising - 40% of participants in this virtual meet-up didn't notice when users and their avatars were switched, showing how fragile identity in VR currently is. presence-xr.eu/study-reveal...
presence-xr.eu
Study Reveals “Change Blindness” to Avatar Identity Swaps in Social Virtual Reality – XR Presence Project
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
UK to ban most major social media platforms for under 16 year olds from Monday! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s
Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
It's unbelievable how widespread conspiracy belief is. I keep meeting, and hearing of, otherwise normal friends (of friends) with outlandish beliefs on vaccines, chemtrails, religion, you name it... It's a huge problem ruining relationships and distorting people www.publicfirst.co.uk/the-commissi...
publicfirst.co.uk
The Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies publishes its 2026 Research Insights
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Got to see this weird and wonderful display today at @nottinghamtrentuni.bsky.social It's a screen that tracks your head position and measures the distance between your pupils to display a stereoscopic image (alternating rapidly between the view for your left-eye and right-eye) making it look 3D
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Carla Busuttil @carlabusuttil.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Spectral Karaoke this Friday at Pan Pan ✨
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Guidance for round 2 of the Creative Foundations Fund is available now, with up to £76.8m to improve cultural buildings and equipment. 🏛️ Read the full guidance, explore eligibility and find out how to apply 👇 bit.ly/4o3yxNA
bit.ly
Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) Round 2
Find out more about the Creative Foundations Fund Round 2.
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BOM @bomlab.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
We’re bringing Soul Paint to BOM! 🎨 Experience the multi-award-winning VR experience on 24th June. We’re delighted to host Soul Paint as part of the events for Healing Arts Birmingham in association with Jameel Arts Health Lab, Birmingham City Council & @who.int. Book here 👉🏼 bom.org.uk/soulpaint/
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pmstudiouk.bsky.social @pmstudiouk.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
First Friday is a monthly social & showcasing event open to anyone. This Fri 5 June between 17:00-19:00 we’re transforming the Studio into a Goblin Market, an alternative marketplace that explores new ways of making, exchanging & valuing creative work. www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/14122/first-friday
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Rob Lindsay @robintheoffice.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Fantastic opportunity from the fantastic Birmingham Open Media:
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Campaign for the Arts @campaignforthearts.org · 30/05/2026
We're looking for the people who document the arts in the UK 📸 Could this be you, or someone you know?
Image of two dancers in high-vis jackets in Stockton-on-Tees. Heading in cream text with pink background: Calling all arts photographers! Subtitle:  We’re looking for the people who document the arts in the UK through photography
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
This is an amazing new film! Watched it premiere in the UK at Flatpack festival recently. Very surreal and dreamlike, about teenage naivity at a beauty pageant in the jungle with a low level tension throughout. One of the best arthouse films I've seen in a long time
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Arts Professional @artsprofessional.co.uk · 21/05/2026
Rich Mix arts centre in Shoreditch has been awarded capital funding of £2.2 million, primarily from the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund, to create a “more welcoming, accessible cultural space”.
artsprofessional.co.uk
Rich Mix arts centre secures £2m capital investment - Arts Professional
Rich Mix arts centre in Shoreditch has been awarded capital funding of £2.2 million, primarily from the Arts Council's Creative Foundations Fund, to create a
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
20 years ago I asked a friend (who's an English teacher) what the weirdest book he'd ever read was. He said "House of Leaves". So I bought it. I've tried to read it about 4 times over the years but only recently got into it. It's pretty far out
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Watershed @wshed.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
We're excited to announce our next Undershed exhibition - Nowism! 💭 Running from Thu 11 - Sun 28 June, four artists from our incredible Pervasive Media Studio community share works in progress exploring the future of technologies in our lives. Find out more: www.watershed.co.uk/nowism
watershed.co.uk
Nowism
Four artists from our incredible Pervasive Media Studio community share works in progress exploring the future of technologies in our lives. Make faces with emotion-sensing software, build new worlds, meet future folk heroes - imagine what digital futures could look like.
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Darrell Gibson @soundsculpting.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
These computer voices sound human enough to mislead, but one layer of speech still breaks the illusion phys.org/news/2026-05...
phys.org
These computer voices sound human enough to mislead, but one layer of speech still breaks the illusion
We are surrounded by computer-generated voices these days, from navigation systems and voice assistants to automated announcements. But how human do these voices actually sound? A recent study by the ...
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Deep reading about the shape of the world today www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
theguardian.com
How to survive the information crisis: ‘We once talked about fake news – now reality itself feels fake’
In this age of crisis, technology is pulling us apart. At its best, journalism can bring us together again, writes Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner
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The Space @thespacearts.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Calling digital creatives - We are seeking a creative studio or artist-led team to develop an interactive digital story trail experience that brings to life the archive images and stories of The Highland Museum of Childhood, Scotland. Fee: £12,000 + VAT Find out more -
buff.ly
Wellbeing on Track: A Highland & Islands Digital Heritage Network Commission | The Space
We are seeking a creative studio or artist-led team to develop an interactive digital experience
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Bruce Asbestos @bruceasbestos.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Bootleg Shreg 2 at Exeter Phoenix
Triple Elvis 2026Install shotBootleg Shreg Painting Shreg
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Ben Neal @psiconlab.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Nobody going out anymore? www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...
theguardian.com
‘Nobody’s going out!’ Why is Britain’s nightlife in such decline – and can anything save it?
One in four late-night venues went out of business between 2020 and 2025. Those that remain are struggling to pull in customers. Maybe a night out in Birminghan will reveal why
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