World premiere of Water Bots set to take over Birmingham canals
Audiences are in for a dazzling spectacle next week as Birmingham Open Media (BOM) unleashes the Water Bots, a fleet of illuminated swimming sculptures, across the canals of Birmingham and the Black Country.
This groundbreaking project is a fusion of cutting-edge art, engineering technology, inspired by the region’s industrial heritage and created by Australian artist Michael Candy.
The Water Bots are a dynamic trio of robotic sculptures which audiences can interact with. They will playfully navigate the region’s historic waterways in a series of public events.
The first event will take place during Birmingham Tech Week on Frontiers Day, 22 October.
Louise Latter, head of Programme at BOM, said: “We can’t wait to showcase the trio of beautiful, and unique, Water Bots that Michael Candy has created – they will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen on the canal network.
“Inspired by Birmingham and the Black Country’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution, the Water Bots will create a magical experience along the canals.
“Who knows, maybe we can inspire the next generation of creative engineers. We hope to see you at one of our Water Bot events.”
The sculptures have been designed and built in Michael Candy’s New York Studio and will create an extraordinary experience along the canals, celebrating Birmingham and the Black Country’s industrial heritage.
Michael Candy said: “Water Bots are living sculptures, part machine and part artwork, drifting through Birmingham’s canals as a reimagining of the city’s industrial past.
“My practice brings together engineering and storytelling to produce encounters that feel both familiar yet anomalous.
“With Water Bots I want to animate the waterways as more than industrial relics, transforming them into a stage where new mythologies and strange futures can take shape.”
Over the weekend of 25 and 26 October, BOM is inviting budding engineers and creatives to two days of workshops and performances from the Water Bots at Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve, Dudley from 11am to 5pm.
BOM (Birmingham Open Media) is an immersive arts organisation, empowering communities through innovation with immersive technology and inclusive learning programmes. Find out more @BOMLab or bom.org.uk/water-bots
