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Gravesend Innovation Showcase 2024 events, locations, talks, speakers and times. < Back Wicked Avatar Problems Start Time 12:30 Running Time 30 Minutes Location 1. St George's Church Event Type Talk About the Event Introduction What is authenticity? Is it important for people to look the way they look offline in digital spaces? Where is the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation? Is there a line at all? Over the past year, I have spoken with different stakeholders in the technological space trying to figure out the answers to these questions and this presentation will feature vignettes and stories participants have shared which reveal how there are no clear-cut answers to these questions. More on the event lead Favour Borokini is a PhD researcher at the University of Nottingham researching afrofeminist ethics concerns in the design and use of avatars. Her research aims to explore how and why people use avatars and how better avatars can be designed for digital spaces. Favour enjoys fantasy novels which she defines to include romance novels, to the general exclusion of science fiction, as well as movies and animation. Once when she was much younger, Favour was convinced about the existence of the world of Nickolodeon's Avatar and is now scheming through her PhD to find a backdoor the world of the Four Nations. Event Information This event is Free Suitable for 14+ Wicked problems are problems that are difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise. As you'll see, when it comes to representation and diversity, there are no fixed answers... ___ Even more information ___ www.favourborokini.com Favour Borokini I am a PhD student with the Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training, hosted at the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham, where I am resea... About I am a PhD student with the Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training, hosted at the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham, where I am researching an ethical framework to address harms in immersive environments. I hold a Law degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria, and I am a member of the Nigerian Bar. Since my Call, I have worked in several technology policy and research roles where I have leveraged my legal training to investigate the impact of technology on human rights and particularly women's rights. At my previous organisation, Pollicy, I was proud to lead our groundbreaking research cataloguing the impact of AI on African women and the experiences of African women working in AI across various sectors. Wicked problems are problems that are difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise. As you'll see, when it comes to representation and diversity, there are no fixed answers... Previous Next

Gravesend Innovation Showcase 2024 events, locations, talks, speakers and times. < Back Traditional Apprenticeships in the Digital Age Start Time 14:00 Running Time 30 Minutes Location 9. Gravesend Library Event Type Discussion About the Event Introduction This session explores how apprenticeships in traditional industries like print and paper remain relevant, with old skills adapting to meet new demands. Deke Demarco, founder of Artisan Print Services, and Tony Thorley, former chief papermaker at Empire Paper Mill, share their journeys and how apprenticeships prepared them for evolving roles in industries once seen as declining. From Deke’s growth in print - defying predictions of the industry’s end - to Tony’s lifelong dedication to paper, both reveal how skills from apprenticeships continue to open doors, adapting to digital demands and sparking innovation. They’ll discuss the enduring value of training in these fields, emphasising the unique opportunities and fresh roles that emerge as these industries reinvent themselves. More on the event lead Deke Demarco Founder of Artisan Print Services, Deke specialises in high-quality lithographic and digital print for businesses and individuals, delivering both traditional and modern print solutions. Producing all aspects of print from business cards to brochure, letterheads, leaflets and much more. Anthony (Tony) Thorley Former chief papermaker at Empire Paper Mill, Tony now channels his passion for paper through collaborative projects, demonstrating how traditional skills adapt and contribute to contemporary creative spaces. Event Information This event is Free Age 14+ This session is ideal for anyone interested in traditional industries, apprenticeships, and how time-honoured skills are adapting to a digital world. It’s suited for young people exploring career paths, educators, industry professionals, policymakers focused on job creation, and anyone curious about the future of training and skills in evolving fields like print and paper. ___ Even more information ___ Deke Demarco, owner of Artisan Print Services, and Anthony (Tony) Thorley, former chief papermaker at Imperial Paper Mills, will share their experiences from decades in their fields. Hear how Deke, initially warned against entering print, built a thriving printing business in Northfleet, and how Tony witnessed the evolution of the global paper industry and its significant part in the local economy. The session will conclude with an open discussion on training, education, and the future of apprenticeships. Previous Next

All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Sibyl Madrigal Poetry Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Sep18 3 September 2018 Boat-Ting 16th Anniversary 2018 http://Website or social media email or phone number

Fourth Portal transforms traditional and derelict shops, pubs and public places* into activity and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, start-ups and creative business people providing relaxed surroundings and ambient atmosphere in an imaginative setting. About Fourth Portal Before the onset of Covid-19 in early 2020, the Fourth Portal was on a journey to create real-world spaces that would introduce AI and Machine Learning to non-academic, non-technologist by creating hybrid venues that people could visit like any cafe or shop on the High Street. The original intent was to create some real-world spaces and introduce virtual working using emerging tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, almost unheard of outside technology and corporate circles. The pandemic turned this on its head, and the Fourth Portal had to pivot, to develop the virtual spaces first and then introduce the real-world opportunities. This is the story so far... Introduction | Fourth Portal plan in December 2019 Fourth Portal transforms traditional and derelict shops, pubs and public places* into activity and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, start-ups and creative business people providing relaxed surroundings, ambient atmosphere in an imaginative setting with a range of services, products, events and exhibitions focused on new and future technology. How ideas become reality | A personal journey Fourth Portal is the brainchild of founder John McKiernan (history here ) who is fascinated by how ideas form and become reality, whether it's a business, technology or a work of art. This fascination is coupled with a frustration with an education system that seeks to systemise the process of bringing an idea to fruition by focusing on acronyms, models and flowcharts. Modelling is fine for iteration, making slight changes to a product or service, however there is limited value when deciding whether to develop an original idea and make it reality. Haphazard Business | How ideas become reality John once had a small chain of coffee bars in South London and was always intrigued by the number of ideas and schemes customers were trying to develop, whether a business start-up, researching for an academic qualification or creating a work of art. The joy, pain and reality in the processes of all these personal journeys shared certain traits: the inconsistency of everyday life, overcoming scepticism of peers, energy to carry through on an idea and of course the stark reality that some ideas are just not very good. Emergence of Fourth Portal | A road trip Fourth Portal itself has been an idea floating around in John's head for more than a decade, an idea that would capture peoples' imagination briefly only to fade as it could not be explained simply; making financial support difficult to obtain. So in early 2019, John set off on a self-funded Haphazard Business road trip (as a representation of the journey of discovery) to blog about the process of developing his idea of establishing an innovation hub. Haphazard Business became the name of the blog documenting his travels, emphasising how an original idea pivots as comments, circumstance and other haphazard factors feed in and alter progress. Meeting of Minds | Coincidence, synchronicity or luck During his haphazard journey, John attended many events, exhibitions and locations, allowing himself to drift with the flow rather than dictate or seek an outcome. This took him to many interesting places, discovered numerous insights and met some fascinating people, including Gillian Harwood, who would lead the project to Great Yarmouth, a down-at-heel Norfolk coastal town. Great Yarmouth | Gillian Harwood's story Gillian Harwood has been a successful entrepreneur for more than 40 years, and owns a number of small business work hubs, the largest of which is Busworks, in London's King's Cross (read more here ). Gillian fell in love with Great Yarmouth following a visit to the permanent Hippodrome Circus in 2017. Seeing the town was in steep decline, and lined with beautiful period architecture, Gillian decided to try and help kick off a change in fortunes by investing in some run down buildings and returning them to the splendour they once enjoyed. Meeting of Minds | Fourth Portal John met Gillian randomly over a glass of wine at the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA), where they are both fellows. John explained his journey and Gillian encouraged, repeatedly, for him to visit Great Yarmouth. Initially uninterested, over the summer of 2019 John became increasingly intrigued by the town, its decline and the potential to reinvent itself (more here ). Gillian offered John free use of the buildings she had purchased to trial out Fourth Portal and the project was born. Covid-19 | A Haphazard Response With the doors to Portal B just ajar for the first customers, the UK government ordered a lockdown to counter the rapidly spreading Covid virus, requiring all non-essential businesses to close. Across the world personal and commercial business went into a tailspin as governments responded in a haphazard fashion. Just as John set out on a haphazard business journey one year ago, now the rest of the world seems to have decided to join him... Read More >

This is a dummy page showing how an Skronk gig page may appear once the Culture Reverb memory system is live. It is for demonstration purposes only and not yet connected to the full network. Skronk Skronk – Culture Reverb Demonstration Page This page is a demonstration of how Culture Reverb may look once live. The Skronk webpage automatically generates a gig page containing a full interactive list of performers. These pages will connect to individual artist pages, instruments, collaborations, and venues, allowing scenes to emerge from the data. Once fully live, everything on the page will be connected across the open web. Skronk s brought together by Nathan Harmer and was originated by Rick Jensen For more information on Culture Reverb, contact John a John at info@fourthportal.com SKRONK #178 16 September 2025 Endeavour, 39 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PQ Seb Stone Jonny Martin Anthony Osborne Tom Spurging Sid Hope Nathan Greywater Kinga Janicka Filanour Karen Barnes Charlie Folorunsho Jim S. Andrew Andrew Ciccone Robert Trent Sid Phipps Nyx Mandy Majic Andrew Page Nathan Z SKRONK #177 2 September 2025 Endeavour, 39 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PQ Rick Irvine Sid Hope Anthony Osborne Nathan Greywater Seb Stone Filanour Luigi Rizzo Simon Oliwale Antonio Arca ANJ32 Bettina Schroeder Simon Lawson Ed H Frankie Stuart Wilding Tom Spurging Amelie James Mario Guarnieri Liv Vova Adrian Roper Ras Cassette SKRONK #176 15 July 2025 Endeavour, 39 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PQ ANJ32 Anthony Osborne Delia Betitus Seb Stone Nathan Greywater Sid Hope Rick Irvine GLUA Just Joe Kinga Janicka Bettina Schroeder Sky Cody Phil Hollins Cassette Countercultural Courtney Frankie Tom Scott David Aylward Mario Guarnieri Tom Spurging SKRONK #175 1 July 2025 Endeavour, 39 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PQ Chris Arnold Sid Hope Anthony Osborne ANJ32 Ed H. Seb Stone Nathan Greywater GLUA Kyle (The Resting Doors) Andrew Ciccone Ed Shipsey Cassette Countercultural Keiran Luigi Rizzo Frankie SKRONK #6 23 August 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN ANJ32 Anthony Osborne Delia Betitus Seb Stone Nathan Greywater Sid Hope Rick Irvine GLUA Just Joe Kinga Janicka Bettina Schroeder Sky Cody Phil Hollins Cassette Countercultural Courtney Frankie Tom Scott David Aylward Mario Guarnieri Tom Spurging SKRONK #5 9 August 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN James Malone, Alain Man, Hanna Bohlin, Rick Jensen, Thomas Tronich, Jordan Muscatello, Rory Hildick, Paul Shearsmith, Helen Tate, Ben Watson, Graham Painting, Si Paton, Sebastion Sterkowicz, Andrew Cleaver, Dave Draper, Jenni Roditi, Iris Ederer, Noel Taylor, Jair-Rohm Parker Wells, Erik, Massimo Magee SKRONK #4 19 July 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN James Malone, Jason Alder, Jordan Muscatello, Sam Enthoven, Thomas Tronich, Alain Man, Laura Sampson, Rick Jensen, Chris Freudenberg, Paul Shearsmith, Erik, Dave O’Connor, Rory Hildick, Noel Taylor, Luisa Tucciariello, Michele Paccagnella, Bettina Schroeder, Mike Whiting SKRONK #2 21 June 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN Rick Jensen Simon Gajewski Alain Man Michael Dobbie Hywel Jones Matylda Geber Thomas Tronich Chris Freudenberg Sam Enthoven Tara Vavana Dilara Aydin-Corbett Luisa Tucciariello Dan The Stylophone Man Mike Whiting Gyorgy Beck SKRONK #1 31 May 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN Massimo Magee, Paul Shearsmith, Alain Man, James Malone, Rory Hildick, Hywel Jones, Rick Jensen, Fabrizio Brusca, Si Paton, Benji, Guido Spannocchi, Simon Gajewski, Stefano Sama, Ernesto Bohorquez ImproVox #11 SKRONK #3 7 May 2016 New River Studios, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DN Rick Jensen Dan The Stylophone Man Chris Freudenberg Dilara Aydin-Corbett Alain Man Bryan Styles Michael Dobbie Hywel Jones Matylda Geber Thomas Tronich Simon Gajewski Chris Freudenberg Tara Vavana Gyorgy Beck Luisa Tucciariello Sam Enthoven Michele Paccagnella Mike Whiting

What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)? Electromagnetic Camp 2024 Fourth Portal will be at EMF Camp from 27 May until 5th June 2024 Please note Gravesend Fourth Portal will be closed throughout FIND US: If you are at EMF, come find our Reckless Engineers village. NW of Static Avenue on the map here Electromagnetic Camp 2024 Imagine a camping festival with a power grid and high-speed internet access; a temporary village of geeks, crafters, and technology enthusiasts that's lit up by night, and buzzing with activity during the day. Thousands of curious people will descend on our friendly open space to learn, share, and talk about what they love. https://www.emfcamp.org/ Covid-19 (Coronavirus)? What's Next? HYPERMEDIA OPEN SPACE Wednesday, 10 April 2024, 6pm PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD Hypermedia is becoming one of the most talked about events in SE England, with DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic, visuals, artist talks and discussion. Curated by Gravesend's Hypermedia Events. 6:00pm-11pm: Pay What You Can Afford Licensed bar | Open to all ages Everyone, including babies and dogs welcome. LEARN MORE Covid-19 has been difficult for all enterprises, new and mature, particularly those in the arts, events and hospitality. Fourth Portal crosses all three of these sectors and as an event led operation it has been all but impossible during 2020. The decision has been taken not to open Portal A and reduce Portal B to a standalone bar operation until further notice. October 2020. Please return soon Read More >

In 1953, Northfleet papermaker Bowater invited artists to respond to the versatility of paper for their 1954 calendar. Recreating this call, we received more than 160 requests for vintage paper, and received 66 responses back. These beautiful pieces of work are now on display at the Fourth Portal. ⓒ Kaori Homma VERSATILITY OF PAPER The Response Copying a 1953 call-out to artists by papermaker Bowater to respond to the versatility of paper, the Fourth Portal received 65 responses from artists in Gravesend and from across the country. Newspaper To celebrate the Versatility of Paper call out, the Fourth Portal created a special edition newspaper highlighting each piece of work submitted. Articles include an interview with the former head papermaker at the Greenhithe Empire Paper Mills describing how the paper industry shaped the destiny of Gravesend and Northfleet. 2,000 newspapers were printed and distributed around Kent and London, digital version is available here . The Call-Out Print Artist-in-Resident Dawn Cole spotted the Bowater call-out in an old print magazine from 1953. There were 170 requests for us to provide vintage paper, with 65 responses returned by the 31 August 2023 deadline. The work is now on display at the Fourth Portal in Gravesend, with a newspaper momento to follow and a discussion of touring the work. October 2023 Click image for details and enlarge Scroll and Click image for details and enlarge Support The creation of the Versatility of Paper newspaper was kindly supported by Gravesham Borough Council. Autumn 2023 The Versatility of Paper call out was kindly supported by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project. Summer 2023

Ten years of research and development has been spent developing these original portal spaces focused on technology, environment and sound that offer opportunity for entrepreneurship that benefits whole communities while reducing the impact on the planet. Video Tours Short Tours Of Our Online Venues Welcome to the Fourth Portal, thank you for your interest. Below you will find short videos providing some of the key features of our online venues, these are being updated regularly so please check back for more updates. Get In Touch Fourth Portal Lounge For gatherings from 6 to 500 people This 5min video offers a quick tour of the Fourth Portal Pavilion Lounge, perfect for smaller gatherings, including collaborations, networking, workshops, presentations and team-building events. The lounge can hold up to 500 hundred guests simultaneously and in addition to all the features mentioned, can also auto translate into 9 languages and offers Closed Captions for those with hearing impairment. BOOK A TOUR Fourth Portal Pavilion Arena For gatherings from 150 to 2000 people This short video offers a tour of the main features of the Fourth Portal Pavilion Arena, a perfect venue for larger gatherings, conferences, major work events, showcasing, exhibitions, training, educational events and open days. The Pavilion Arena can accomodate up to 2,000 guests simultaneously and in addition to all the features mentioned, can also auto translate into 9 languages and offers Closed Captions for those with hearing impairment. BOOK A TOUR Discussion Festival Weekly online Free event This short video offers a tour of the main features of the Fourth Portal Pavilion Arena, a perfect venue for larger gatherings, conferences, major work events, showcasing, exhibitions, training, educational events and open days. The Pavilion Arena can accomodate up to 2,000 guests simultaneously and in addition to all the features mentioned, can also auto translate into 9 languages and offers Closed Captions for those with hearing impairment. BOOK A TOUR

INNOVATION SHOWCASE AT A GLANCE BY EVENT

Ten years of research and development has been spent developing these original portal spaces focused on technology, environment and sound that offer opportunity for entrepreneurship that benefits whole communities while reducing the impact on the planet. Portals What are the Fourth Portal portals? Portals are venues that will become the next generation of gathering spaces, blending online and the virtual. As with the emergence of coffee houses in the 1990s based on those from the 1600s as places to meet the like minded, conduct business, work and enjoy social interactions, portals will be the next iteration, offering a hybrid experience where simultaneous real-life and virtual interconnection becomes normal. The Fourth Portal is at the forefront of this revolution, evolving new spaces and offering advice and services that will suit any need during Covid-19 and for the post-pandemic world. If you have a meeting, conference, party or seeking alternative ways of making your business operations run more efficiently, then get in touch for a chat. Read More > VIEW AT A GLANCE VIEW IN DETAIL EVENT LOCATION EVENT START TIME INTRODUCTION

This is a dummy page showing how an Burning Harpsichord Salon gig page may appear once the Culture Reverb memory system is live. It is for demonstration purposes only and not yet connected to the full network. Boat-Ting Boat-Ting – Culture Reverb Demonstration Page This page is a demonstration of how Culture Reverb may look once live. The Burning Harpsichord Salon webpage automatically generates a gig page containing a full interactive list of performers. These pages will connect to individual artist pages, instruments, collaborations, and venues, allowing scenes to emerge from the data. Once fully live, everything on the page will be connected across the open web. Burning Harpsichord Salon is brought together by Alex Ward, founded by Sibyl Madrigal RIP For more information on Culture Reverb, contact John at info@fourthportal.com Boat-Ting Sep18 3 September 2018 Bar & Co, Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN Alex Ward Adam Bohman Dom Lash Phil Minton Steve Noble Sibyl Madrigal Olie Brice Benedict Taylor Boat-Ting Oct18 1 October 2018 Bar & Co, Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN Mike Cooper, Tasos Stamou, Sue Lynch, John Edwards, Ian McGowan Haymont Tesfa, Ansumaan Biswas, Ronnie McGrath Boat-Ting Feb19 4 February 2019 Bar & Co, Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN Ian Smith, Marcio Mattos, Hannah Marshall, Kay Grant, Jim Dvorak, David Lee Morgan, Alex Ward, Benedict Taylor Boat-Ting Dec22 5 December 2022 Bar & Co, Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN T.J. Borden John Edwards Hannah Marshall Rowland Sutherland Sofia Vaisman Maturana Phil Durrant Caroline Kraabel Zara Joan Miller Christoph Gallio Armorel Weston Boat-Ting Jan23 9 January 2023 Lo & Behold, Swanfield St, London E2 7DS Nick Roth Panos Ghikas Benedict Taylor Alex Ward Tom Ward Rocío Bolaños Boat-Ting Sep24 2 September 2024 Theatre Ship, South Quay Plaza, Theatreship, London E14 9SH Roberto Bellatella, Mark Hewins, Kay Grant, Richard Hughes, Benedict Taylor, Chris Prosser, James O’Sullivan Boat-Ting Nov24 4 November 2024 Theatre Ship, South Quay Plaza, Theatreship, London E14 9SH Jason Kahn, Mark Wastell, Faradena Afifi, Ansuman Biswas, Ivor Kallin, Benedict Taylor, Adam Bohman, Adrian Northover Boat-Ting Oct25 6 October 2025 Theatre Ship, South Quay Plaza, Theatreship, London E14 9SH John Bisset, Julia Brüssel, Richard Hughes, Viv Corringham, Sue Lynch, Mick Beck, Phil Marks, Alex Ward Boat-Ting Nov25 3 November 2025 Theatre Ship, South Quay Plaza, Theatreship, London E14 9SH John Butcher Dominic Lash Emil Karlsen Iris Colomb Petra Haller Douglas Benford Mark Wastell Tom Ward

The Fourth Portal virtual newspapers exploring technology and innovation. These digital editions complements our 2,000 printed copies distributed across the southeast of England and beyond. FOURTH PORTAL NEWSPAPERS Explore our virtual newspapers on technology and innovation, complementing 2,000 printed copies per issue distributed across the southeast of England and beyond; commended in the 2025 Newspaper Awards. 2025 Newspaper Awards booklet: This newspaper exemplified commercial creativity by successfully engaging a local authority to use central government funding to connect residents and businesses. Its design was praised for its clear layout, compelling visuals and seamless integration of sections. Issue 1 Issue 1 delves into Kent's papermaking industry, exploring how traditional processes and materials evolve, integrating new technologies and adapting to changing market demands to unlock new business opportunities and the versatility of paper. Read Here Issue 2 Issue 2 explores the innovation journey, addressing barriers such as institutional intransigence and discrimination while highlighting the role of technology, wellbeing, and societal progress in shaping transformative business strategies and sustainable growth. Read Here Issue 3 Issue 3 highlights the resilience and innovation of Gravesham’s business and creative community amid ongoing economic pressures. From climate change and shifting customer habits to the realities of microbusinesses, it brings together local voices to discuss adaptation, culture, and the future of work. Read Here Digital and printed editions of the Fourth Portal newspapers are free to read and share. We welcome your comments, feedback, and suggestions - and are always open to interview requests. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link If you're interested in a bespoke newspaper tailored to your organisation, industry, or town, send us your requirements to info@fourthportal.com .