Practical Workshop: Upscaling electrical drive systems for the outdoor arts sector. Drivable Puppets and Parade vehicles
For 30 years Mike has been putting wheels on the outdoor arts sector’s processional vehicles. Often these vehicles have been powered by Pedal or Electrical Drives.
This session will dive into the basics of repurposing existing electric drives, steering and brakes from electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters to golf buggies.
Mike Pattison is an artist, theatrical engineer and puppeteer who has worked in the outdoor theatre sector for over twenty years specialising in the design and fabrication of large, very often mechanised centre pieces for finale spectaculars.
Fascinated by all things mechanical, he is motivated by a desire to make the machine visible to others through theatrical medium. Adapting and giving new life to mechanisms which have been discarded by the world makes a unique aesthetic. After creation, the mechanical sculptures are brought to life through performance which is an integral part of the work.
Mike has been involved in project delivery for Kinetika, Walk the Plank’s Periplum, Circo Rumbaba, the Bureau of Silly Ideas, and Graeae. In 2012 he collaborated with Ali Pretty and Kinetika providing a set of 22 medium-scale pedalled and electrical performer-carrying vehicles for the Paralympic closing show. 2012 saw projects realised for The Battle for The Winds working both with Forkbeard Fantasy creating a pedal-powered turbine cycle and a pedal-powered pirate ship. In 2022 Mike provided 11 electrical drivable contraptions with 3 different companies in the Queens Platinum Jubilee Parade.
Who are these masterclasses for?
The masterclass is designed for Northwest artists and creatives, especially those interested in outdoor arts practice.
Where is this masterclass held?
Walk the Plank, Cobden Works, 37-41 Cobden Street, Salford, M6 6WF
ELEVATE masterclasses are designed to give creative practitioners learning and development opportunities across various disciplines with leading artists.
ELEVATE is a partnership project between Manchester City Council and Walk the Plank – supported by Arts Council England and aims to support regional artists to create world-class art in the public realm.
