School
for
Poetic
Computation
This is a project-based class where we dream and build toward the decay of the computer empire. We will cultivate an understanding and practice of how technology can be used to uplift or destroy relationships with the land, one another, and ourselves. We will explore interconnected topics such as internet infrastructure, drum circles, militarized technologies, technodisobedience, sonic warfare, and collective building. How can developing community autonomous technology help us survive and accelerate the decay of the computer empire?
Images courtesy of teachers and guests.
This is a class designed with BIPOC participants in mind. Asian, Black, and Brown applicants will be especially prioritized in the application review process.
Power and Ground is a world-building class on how connecting with the earth, one another, and ourselves creates pathways and opportunities for shifting power.
All high-power electrical circuits require a connection to the ground in order to safely distribute the power. We take this fundamental understanding of electronics and expand it into our current computer empire. How can we safely re-distribute power by connecting to the ground?
In a reality where technology is used to dissociate us from our relationships with the earth, this project-based class is a relational exploration of how we can create and use technologies to deepen the synchrony in our rhythms with the earth and one another.
We will ask, "Where do all the wires go?" as we walk outside and research local network infrastructure.
We will ask, "How does removing the grid change how we move our bodies?" as we examine colonial systems of signals and sound.
As we develop our projects, we will answer, "How we can use technology as an interface to choose and cultivate a different life."
Students will be prompted to develop a community autonomous infrastructure or technology (which we will redefine again and again) that disrupts or circumvents an extractive, colonial, and/or state infrastructure of their choice. This could take the form of network technologies, ancestral technologies, sonic hardware, alternative energy sources, and more.
We will use a mix of readings, discussion, lectures, and project work to guide an embodied learning and exploration. Rather than deep diving into any one software or hardware, this class walks across a variety of interconnected topics to inform a deeper, project-led study based on students’ interest. We will rely on office hours as a container for 1:1 deeper technical support and learning. After this class, students should feel confident beginning, collaborating on, and executing technology projects toward community autonomy.
Time & Workload:
Technical Experience: This class is a good fit for students with a sincere commitment to defeating technological helplessness and interest in developing their technical skills by diving into the black box of technology. Students can come in with any range of technical expertise, including no experience, as long as you are open to overcoming discomforts with technology! Materials: Laptop or computer setup that can run video conferencing, video, and sound. Any additional hardware you want to work with is up to you, alternative options will be provided.
This class may be for you if you:
This class may NOT be for you if you:
meghna mahadevan (they/m) is a sound-driven multi-medium artist, educator, experimental musician, dj. For the past ten years, they have worked across a variety of realms efforting against the computer empire with both local and global organizations across underground, grassroots, for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors. Currently, they create instruments, synths, and speakers which use hardware and code to create new sounds and signals. Meghna co-taught "Solidarity Infrastructures" (,infrastructures.us,) at School for Poetic Computation for the past three years, focused on learning self-hosted server practices to engage with massive hidden telecommunications infrastructures. For the past 8+ years, they’ve performed as a musician and DJ under the moniker yoniyachtclub across the U.S. and India. Their style is marked by bold blends, booming drums, and bringing in live instrumentation with CDJs or their own hardware. Passionate about our communities reclaiming technological agency, their processes are rooted in techodisobediance and resisting algorithmic capture, their work is most often situated in the context of an altar, classroom, garden, or club.
they/them
nujum is an artist, educator, writer and multidisciplinary designer. their practice centers embodiment with oneself and spirit as well as the spirit in everything around us. reverence for all beings is something nujum is passionate about centering. creating altars of hope and devotion in unexpected ways.
they
Ian is a multidisciplinary technologist whose work lives at the intersection of music, human-computer interaction, and research. Their work spans from developing/maintaining accessible technology with the New York City Government, to studio and film audio recording/engineering for short films produced through Princeton University, Brown University, Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, and New York University, to UX research for educational technology under the NYU Office of the Provost, to live performance as an instrumentalist, vocalist, and dancer. Ian is passionate about creativity, process, and combining different media in intricate ways. If you have any questions about ideation, programming, physical interaction, accessibility, and performance, feel free to reach out!
they/any
Oren Robinson is an artist, coder, and student of critical pedagogy and mutual aid practices towards solidarity economies and collective liberation living on stolen Kumeyaay land.
they/any
Io Hushpuppie is a hacker, tech angel, volcano enthusiast, power-lifter, multi-media artist, world builder, and a friend of every dog. They started building computers from spare parts as a child and now host cybersecurity workshops geared toward sex workers. They co-created Cyborg Support Club, a virtual community teaching fundamental information security skills and somatic integration ,techniques.Io, makes airbrush shirts, sews weird stuffed animals, draws comics, and creates stop-motion animations.They like to make interactive art like bingo boards, divination tools, goofy websites, and draw little doodles on love notes for their friends and neighbours.They are currently working to grow the Tucson Mesh Network, a community-controlled wireless internet network. Organizing the next convergence for DeepMay, a 10-day experimental autonomous tech camp. Hosting Cyborg Support Club #4 and brewing up infinite possibilities :)
they/them we/us
Applications open until Applications closed on August 10, 2026.
You can expect to hear back from us about the status of your application on . Please email us at admissions@sfpc.study with any questions you have.
For 10 classes, it costs $1200 + processing fees, for a one-time payment. We also offer payment plans. Participants can schedule monthly payments of the same amount. First and last payments must be made before the start and end of class. *Processing fees apply for each payment.
SFPC processes all payments via Withfriends and Stripe. Please email admissions@sfpc.study if these payment options don't work for you.
For more information about what we look for in applicants, scholarships, and other frequently asked questions, please visit our applicant FAQ.
Interested in more learning opportunities at the School for Poetic Computation? Join our newsletter to stay up to date on future sessions and events, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Support our programming through scholarships. Get in touch over email.
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