Search Results

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Jenni Roditi Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #5 9 August 2016 SKRONK #6 23 August 2016 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Colin Webster Saxophone Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Flimflam 25 June 2025 FlimFlam 29 October 2025 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Chris Parfitt Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #6 23 August 2016 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Keiran Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #175 1 July 2025 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

The Innovation Showcase turned Gravesend into a hub of creativity, technology, and knowledge-sharing, with academics, artists, and entrepreneurs leading interactive discussions, performances, and demonstrations. In various shops, churches, and unexpected locations, the day explored AI, machine learning, retro computing, sonic experiments, lasers, robotics, and digital futures, bringing new ideas to the heart of the this North Kent town. Innovation Showcase 2024 < Back 20 November 2024 The Innovation Showcase turned Gravesend into a hub of creativity, technology, and knowledge-sharing, with academics, artists, and entrepreneurs leading interactive discussions, performances, and demonstrations. In various shops, churches, and unexpected locations, the day explored AI, machine learning, retro computing, sonic experiments, lasers, robotics, and digital futures, bringing new ideas to the heart of the this North Kent town. Previous Next This page is being updated March 2025 Innovation Showcase | Gravesend Takeover On Wednesday, 20th November 2024, the Innovation Showcase transformed Gravesend town centre into a hub of innovation, technology, creativity and knowledge exchange. From emerging AI breakthroughs to sonic soundscapes with lasers, the event invited academics, artists, entrepreneurs, and the public to explore how the future is being shaped today. Despite an overnight Arctic blast that left temperatures below freezing in the morning, the sun broke through, and by midday, the town was alive with discussions, performances, and hands-on demonstrations. The BBC arrived in a radio car to broadcast live interviews on Breakfast shows, which brought national coverage. With a packed schedule of free events, hosted in shops, churches, and unexpected locations, the Innovation Showcase offered an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading experts from major universities, innovative businesses, and pioneering creative industries. 🔹 29 Events | 50 Volunteers | BBC Coverage | Participants from across the UK 💡 From hands-on AI workshops and robotics demonstrations to immersive sound experiences and discussions on digital futures, the Innovation Showcase was a day of discovery, collaboration, and inspiration. Extensive Media Coverage The Innovation Showcase 2024 attracted widespread media attention, bringing Gravesend into the national spotlight. Coverage spanned across multiple platforms, with extensive features across the BBC, including live radio interviews, online articles, and discussions on emerging technology, creativity, and the impact of the new emerging economy is having on local communities. The BBC’s coverage kicked off with a live morning radio interview with Fourth Portal founder, John McKiernan, discussing the vision behind the Innovation Showcase and the opportunities it presented for Gravesend and beyond. Throughout the day, the event was featured in BBC articles and local news bulletins, highlighting the cutting-edge demonstrations, expert-led discussions, and the town’s engagement with technological innovation. Beyond the BBC, the press release was widely circulated, generating significant interest across digital and print media, reaching hundreds of thousands of people who may not have previously been familiar with Gravesend. Social media engagement surged as attendees, speakers, and media outlets shared real-time updates, photos, and reflections, further expanding the event’s reach. The level of media exposure not only shone a light on the event itself but also reinforced Gravesend’s potential as a hub for knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation. Event Locations The Innovation Showcase took place all across the North Kent town of Gravesend town centre, bringing cutting-edge ideas into everyday spaces and turning the town into a dynamic space for learning, experimentation, and discussion. 📍 Fixed Locations St. George's Church Hall and Community Centre St. George's Church The Mug and Meeple Julius Caesar Italian Restaurant Gravesend Model Centre Allsorts Antiques The Kent Cocktail Bar & Lounge Pender Pharmacy Gravesend Library Munns of Gravesend RC Bathrooms Compass Alehouse House of Leyla The Grand Reliance Fish Restaurant - Gravesend Gino’s Neapolitan Hatch Market St. George's Arts Centre Some of the Gravesend businesses host Innovation Showcase The venues played an important role, hosting talks, workshops, performances, and hands-on demonstrations that invited the public to engage with innovation in familiar settings and for residents to see their town in a new light. Starting and Maintaining a Business in Gravesend 📍 Gravesend Library | 10:00 The Fourth Portal Innovation Showcase began with an essential discussion on the realities of running a business in Gravesend. Local business owners from Compass Ale House, Allsorts Antiques, Pender Pharmacy, and others came together to share insights into the challenges and opportunities of operating in a changing economic landscape. Chaired by Alessandro Ferrazza (University of Sunderland in London), the session explored the current state of town centre businesses, the impact of technological disruptions, and the strategies needed to adapt and thrive in the evolving economy. With participation from both established entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners, the discussion set the tone for the day—highlighting the importance of community collaboration, resilience, and innovation in shaping the future of Gravesend’s economy. Event Highlights & Summaries Performance 🎭 The Laserium | St George's Church Hall | 19:00 The 800-laser immersive The Laserium returned to Gravesend following the sold-out gigs at the Fourth Portal earlier in the year . Set to the pulsating music of Funki Porcini, transforming sound into light in a spectacular display. Reviews below. 🎭 The Bell Agency | House of Leyla | 15:00 & 17:00 A slow-motion sound world of unfolding sound and performance, bringing together a gradual audience realisation, led by drummer Charles Hayward. 🎭 Drum Machine | The Grand | 18:00 Renowned drummer Charles Hayward explored how drum machines differ from human drumming through an historic lens, inviting the audience to join in short drumming sessions. 🎭 Doraraathara | The Grand | 18:00 An immersive spoken word performance blending generative art, projection, sound and AI technology, followed by a Q&A with creators Jennifer Bell and Kristian Jones from Nottingham Trent University. 🎭 Large Language | The Grand | 16:00 Gravesend’s spoken word community engaged the public in a discussion on the interplay between poetry and AI, encouraging participation in remixing into a whole new work by a live A.I., led by Zack Davies and Anthony Hart. 🎭 Art of VFX 1896-2024 | The Grand | 16:15 An exploration of the tools and techniques used in visual effects over a century of cinema, led by VFX Supervisor, Val Wardlaw. Demonstrations & Interactive Installations 🤖 Meet Mechanismo - Engaging and Playful Robots | Multiple locations | 11:00 The Mechanismo team showcased their expressive, four-wheel-drive Crawly Bots equipped with advanced sensing technology, presented by Andy Payne and Nicky Cure. Listen to Andy speaking to the BBC about the Crawly Bots. 🖼 Green Yonder - Sustainable Design Futures | St George's Church Hall | 10:00 Attendees interacted with playful and accessible devices designed to raise awareness of sustainability challenges, including those posed by AI and the Internet of Things, led by Michael Stead and Violet Owen from the University of Lancaster | Listen to Michael and Violet speaking to the BBC. 🎹 Mini Jam with Tiny Synths | Various pop-up locations | 11:00 Producer and electronic artist Felix X Tigersonic guided participants through interactive workshops exploring the world of tiny synthesisers. 📸 Polaroid Workshop | Fourth Portal | Saturday, 16 November 2024 | 11:00 Participants used Instax ‘Polaroid’ cameras to experiment with photographing urban environments, led by photographer, Paul Halliday, formally of Goldsmiths, University of London. 🎨 Polaroid Exhibition | Gravesend Library | 11:00 An exhibition displaying photos from the Innovation Showcase Polaroid Workshop, displaying images captured in urban spaces around Gravesend, led by photographer, Paul Halliday, formally of Goldsmiths, University of London. 🕹 Innovation in Gaming | St George's Church | 11:30 Visitors explored vintage gaming consoles, 3D modelling, and AI innovations in game design, hosted by Mark Gladwell, with Sam, Daniel and James O'Malley. 🕹 Game Changing AI Future | St George's Church | 16:00 Journalist James O’Malley examined how gaming has shaped modern AI technology. Discussions & Talks 💬 Your Opinion on AI | Julius Caesar Italian Restaurant | 11:00 An interactive discussion on AI, gathering public perspectives on inclusion, ethics, and its future direction, led by Dr Glenn McGarry from the University of Nottingham. 💡 New School Futures | Gravesend Library | 12:00 Presentation introducing the New School Futures project, envisioning a community-driven, affordable education model. By Professor Emeritus John Wood, Goldsmiths, University of London, 💼 Starting and Maintaining a Business in Gravesend | Gravesend Library | 10:00 A panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities of running a business in Gravesend, featuring insights from local business owners, including Compass Ale House, Allsorts Antiques, and Penders Pharmacy. Chaired by Alessandro Ferrazza (University of Sunderland in London), the session examined how small businesses can adapt to technological disruptions and navigate the evolving economic landscape. 🛠 How to do VFX | The Grand | 19:00 A beginner-friendly talk introducing the tools and techniques of visual effects (VFX) by VFX Supervisor, Val Wardlaw. 🗿 AI, Archaeology, Avatars and Pocahontas | St George's Church | 13:15 A discussion on who writes history, exploring how AI and avatars shape narratives of historical figures. PhD candidate and Barrister, Favour Borokini, University of Nottingham and MPhil and PhD candidate Mercedes Baptiste-Halliday, University of Oxford. ⚖️ AI Responsibility | St George's Church | 14:00 Professor David Townend led a discussion on AI’s challenges and opportunities for the legal profession. Professor David Townend, Professor of Health and Life Sciences Law and is Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the City Law School, along with Professor and Barrister, Mark Engelman. ⚖️ AI Responsibility Panel Discussion | St George's Church | 14:30 Professor David Townend led a panel discussion with questions on AI’s challenges and opportunities for the legal profession. Professor David Townend, Professor of Health and Life Sciences Law and is Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the City Law School, along with Professor and Barrister, Mark Engelman, Phd candidate and Barrister, Favour Borokini, University of Nottingham and MPhil and PhD candidate Mercedes Baptiste-Halliday, University of Oxford. 🌍 Reclaiming Wisdom | Gravesend Library | 13:00 Professor John Wood advocated for a holistic shift in education, addressing biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Led by Professor Emeritus John Wood, Goldsmiths, University of London 🔎 Wicked Avatar Problems | St George's Church | 12:30 An exploration of multiculturality in visual representation and the ethical dilemmas of AI-generated imagery. Presentation by PhD candidate and Barrister, Favour Borokini, University of Nottingham ⚙️ Fair AI Futures? | Julius Caesar Italian Restaurant | 10:30 An interactive discussion with academics from the University of Nottingham, examining what a fair AI future could look like. Led by Dr Alan Chamberlain, listen to Alan speaking to the BBC. 🏭 Traditional Apprenticeships in the Digital Age | Gravesend Library | 14:00A look at how traditional industries are adapting to modern apprenticeships and digital transformation. Discussion between former Head of Papermaking, Empire Paper Mills, Greenhithe, Anthony Thorley and Founder of Artisan Print Services, Northfleet, Deke Demarko. Hands-On Activities & Local Business Engagement 🍺 Debugging Craft Beer Myths | The Compass Alehouse | 12:00, 14:00 & 15:00 A lively beer tasting session uncovering the history, innovation, and myths of the craft beer industry. Hosted by Compass Co-Founder John. 💊 NHS Pharmacy First Service | Pender Pharmacy | 12:30 Pharmacist Steven Kane explained the expansion of healthcare access through NHS Pharmacy First. Hosted by Pender Pharmacy Owner, Steven Kane 🎨 Shaping Processes | Munns of Gravesend | 13:30 Artists Naomi Boyle and Dawn Cole explored how innovation is reshaping traditional artistic practices. 🛠 Laser Cutting | Mug and Meeple | 11:00 An introduction to laser cutting with Glenn and the Mug and Meeple team, demonstrating design and fabrication techniques. Led by Glenn 📖 Museum of Portable Sound | Multiple Locations | 11:15 & 16:00An interactive digital museum housed on an iPhone, exploring the acoustic environments of cities worldwide. 🎓 Enhancing Student Engagement | Gravesend Library | 10:00 An exploration of educational technology’s role in remote learning following the Covid-19 pandemic. Presentation by PhD Candidate, Alessandro Ferrazza, University of Sunderland in London. Innovation in Gaming installation | Photos: Jonathan Pigram Nodevember Throughout November 2024 Despite the severe cold weather and persistent rain in November, the Nodevember initiative at the Fourth Portal provided an opportunity to explore the complexities of coding and its value in different contexts. Nodevember is a yearly challenge held throughout November, encouraging participants to improve and showcase their procedural coding skills. Each year, a list of prompts is released to inspire creativity and technical development. At the Fourth Portal, we ran Nodevember sessions across alternative nights throughout November 2024, creating a space for discussion and experimentation. Discussions during the event examined whether coding should be widely taught and the vast differences between various forms of coding. For example, hard coding in engineering requires deep technical knowledge and precision, whereas coding for a website in HTML is a more structured, accessible skill suited to different needs. The debate highlighted that coding is not a single discipline but a broad spectrum of skills applied in diverse ways. While the challenging weather and the cold, damp venue limited participation, the experience offered important lessons for future events, particularly in creating a more conducive environment for engagement. Gravesend’s Independent Food Vendors Gravesend's independent food vendors, brought into the Innovation Showcase through the dedicated efforts of local volunteer James Howard, added a vibrant culinary dimension to the event. Developing his career in marketing and communications, James engaged vendors across the town, ensuring food was a vital part of the programme and creating an inclusive atmosphere. With food vouchers provided by the event, speakers, visitors, and volunteers could sample diverse cuisines, fostering a sense of community and encouraging participants to explore and learn more about Gravesend, its diversity, and its friendliness. Participating vendors included Gino’s Neapolitan, Julius Caesars, Gravesend Burger Kiosk, The Grizzly, Laszlo Hungarian Kitchen, Macho Nachos, Mrs Earlyns, Reliance Fish Bar, Sie’s Pies, Tay Mart, Tropical Cafe, and Vegan Antics, each offering a unique taste of the town’s rich and varied food culture. IMPACT, REFLECTION AND DATA A Day of Discovery & Exchange. Despite the freezing morning, the Innovation Showcase 2024 exceeded expectations, with a gradual increase in attendance throughout the day. The event brought together forward-thinking businesses, researchers, and local creatives, sparking conversations on technology, culture, and education. Funded by Gravesham Borough Council allocation of UKSPF funding from the UK Government, the Innovation Showcase offered an alternative way of introducing the fast moving new economy to local communities. Participant Reflection Danny and Sam, participants in the Innovation in Gaming installation, share their reflections on their experience at the Fourth Portal Innovation Showcase 2024. Initially hesitant to volunteer, they quickly found themselves immersed in the day’s events, and as this 2-minute video captures how multi-site intervention like these unfold. 🔗 Watch the video & read more: https://youtu.be/ycqZDkYTngY Sharing Innovation Showcase Data And Information Using the data collected during the November 2024 Innovation Showcase, the Fourth Portal is developing a beta version of a Linked Data Application designed to integrate all aspects of future Innovation Showcases and other events. This Fourth Portal app consolidates information on sessions, locations, and speakers, using open-source software that will offer users and event participants a comprehensive and interactive guide to everything happening at the event. Developing A Fourth Portal Linked Data App The development of this linked data tool is built on established open-source frameworks that enable structured and interconnected data sharing across the web. Unlike traditional databases, linked data follows principles set by Tim Berners-Lee’s Semantic Web, ensuring that information is not only accessible but also machine-readable and contextually meaningful. By leveraging RDF (Resource Description Framework), SPARQL (a query language for linked data), and ontologies, the app enables event organisers and participants to discover and navigate content dynamically. Beyond its immediate utility for the showcase, the app will be used as a foundational tool for future events and as an educational resource, helping individuals explore the engineering behind structured data, interoperability, and the power of decentralised information systems. Through this initiative, the Fourth Portal is demonstrating the potential of linked data as a critical technology for knowledge-sharing and digital innovation. Read more here: https://www.fourthportal.com/post/developing-linked-data-app Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Nyx Mandy Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #178 16 September 2025 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

< Back Kizito and PNG Collective Gravesend born and raised Civil Engineer Kizito, discovered the Fourth Portal while parking his car. He immediately embraced the space and soon, along with former university classmates, had their first live performance, leading to the launch of their first album. See video one below. Q1: How and when did you first discover the Fourth Portal? See video one below. Q2: What were your initial impressions? See video one below Q3: How has Fourth Portal inspired you? See video two below Q4: Will the inspiration be of benefit in the future? Instagram Post: Profile photo kizito_b 13 h "Adigun" the mixtape is dropping in June. Thanks to @fourthportal for letting us do our first performance a couple weeks back and thanks to everyone who came. More music on the way' (18 May 2024) Q5: (optional) Anything you wish to add? Previous Next The unexpected outcome from Kitizo's first visit was not only his band performing their first gig but also being exposed to Drone music for the first time. This led to an exchange of knowledge that may yet develop into a completely new path.

< Back Matt Davies Fourth Portal Lab, Gravesend Textiles Artist In Residence Matt Davies is a designer specialising in sportswear and outdoor equipment and the curator of the Fourth Portal's 'Textiles, Garb and the Thames', which kicks off the Fourth Portal's Textiles spring season. Matt, a designer specialising in sportswear and outdoor equipment, is based in Kent, drawing inspiration from his surroundings for fresh concepts and design ideas. With a design ethos primarily focused on maximising functionality and performance, Matt extensively researches new fabric advancements. He experiments with innovative pattern-cutting concepts to enhance clothing performance while maintaining a sleek appearance. Having gained experience from studying at the London College of Fashion and working at companies like Vollebak and Purple Mountain Observatory, Matt's goal is to establish a studio in Kent and launch his own tailored clothing range for various conditions. Matt's workflow revolves around digital methods, incorporating 3D software and machine learning algorithms into his pieces. An enthusiastic graphic designer and illustrator, he explores new concepts in his free time and integrates them into future projects. His contributions to the Fourth Portal include organising the 'Textiles, Garb, and the Thames' event, spanning ten days. This event aims to raise awareness about local maritime industries and textile technologies, showcasing their evolution over time. Matt plans to integrate these insights into his future work, exploring how modern maritime clothing can be both functional and stylish. Explore Matt's work at mattlorcan.com or on Instagram @mattlorcandavies. info@fourthportal.com 01-10 February 2024 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

< Back A First Step Toward AI Regulation With Tom Wheeler Podcast: Tom Wheeler, former chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, shares his insights on what’s next in the push toward AI regulation. Centre For Humane Technology 1 Nov 2023 On Monday, 30 October 2023, US President Biden released a sweeping executive order that addresses many risks of artificial intelligence. Tom Wheeler, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shares his insights on the order with Tristan and Aza from the Centre for Humane Technology and discusses what’s next in the push toward AI regulation. Businessman, venture capitalist, and former chairman of the Federal Communication Corporation during the Obama administration, Tom Wheele r is the author TECHLASH: Who Makes the Rules in the Digital Gilded Age (Brookings, October 2023) and From Gutenberg to Google: The History of Our Future (Brookings, 2019). He resides in Washington, DC. Listen. https://www.humanetech.com/podcast/a-first-step-toward-ai-regulation-with-tom-wheeler For more: Protocols, Security, Machine Learning, Decoupling, Regulation, Standards Previous Next

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Adrian Northover Alto & Soprano Sax Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Nov24 4 November 2024 Boat-Ting Oct25 6 October 2025 Boat-Ting Nov 2024 http://Website or social media email or phone number

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Mihee Kim Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #2 21 June 2016 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

Coastal Electronauts' Estuary Waves brought a night of hypnotic electronics and immersive visuals to Fourth Portal. A diverse lineup of artists delivered experimental soundscapes, deep drones, and glitch-infused performances, creating a rich, atmospheric experience. Coastal Electronauts Estuary Waves < Back 26 April 2024 Coastal Electronauts' Estuary Waves brought a night of hypnotic electronics and immersive visuals to Fourth Portal. A diverse lineup of artists delivered experimental soundscapes, deep drones, and glitch-infused performances, creating a rich, atmospheric experience. Previous Next The Coastal Electronauts' Estuary Waves at Fourth Portal was marked by a powerful performance from Graham Dowdall, known as Gagarin, who sadly passed on 16 June 2024, soon after this event. His set blended deep ambient textures with atmospheric soundscapes, a poignant reminder of his immense talent and immersive performance. Estuary Waves featured a diverse lineup from the Coastal Electronauts' collective, including Sophie Sirota’s haunting melodies, Shape Navigator’s intricate sonic explorations, and AnalogueMechanic’s unpredictable synth improvisations. Smelliott’s glitch-infused set, the Freegk Brothers’ hypnotic drones, and whthponsfpshthtbttn?'s provocative fusion of noise added to the night’s experimental energy. Visual artist diz_qo’s reactive projections seamlessly synchronised each performance with the stunning architecture of St. Andrew's, home to the Fourth Portal. The evening was a rich, immersive tribute to experimental sound, with Gagarin’s set leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Watch excerpts below. Gagarin – A pioneering electronic artist, Gagarin performed an atmospheric set filled with deep ambient textures. Blending field recordings with experimental rhythms, he created an immersive sonic journey. Sophie Sirota – A classically trained musician, Sophie Sirota explored the intersection of experimental electronics and contemporary composition. Her performance wove haunting melodies with layered textures, producing an ethereal yet powerful soundscape. Shape Navigator – Shape Navigator pushed the boundaries of sonic abstraction with a dynamic electronic set. Using modular synthesis and evolving loops, their performance transported the audience through intricate, shifting sound environments. A nalogueMechanic – Specialising in hardware-driven improvisation, AnalogueMechanic crafted evolving sequences using vintage synths and custom-built effects. His set explored raw sound, balancing structure with unpredictability. smelliott – Smelliott delivered an experimental set blending glitch aesthetics and fractured rhythms. Merging lo-fi textures with intricate beat structures, he offered a unique take on electronic composition. Freegk Brothers – The Freegk Brothers performed a hypnotic set combining drone and pulsating electronic rhythms. Their music created an expansive, trance-like atmosphere, drawing from avant-garde and psychedelic influences. whthponsfpshthtbttn? – A cryptically named artist, whthponsfpshthtbttn? presented a boundary-pushing live set. Fusing noise, spoken word, and manipulated audio fragments, they delivered a provocative and immersive experience. diz_qo (Visuals) – Visual artist diz_qo provided abstract, reactive projections that synchronised with the live performances. Their work enhanced the event with shifting colours, glitch aesthetics, and immersive motion graphics. Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next