How to Take Part

1. Decide on a website you want to draw to people’s attention; it doesn’t have to be your own, though it can be.

2. Turn the website address (url) into a QR Code through a code generator. There are many on the web, it doesn’t matter to us which one you use, for example qrcode.kaywa.com or www.qrstuff.com or delivr.com/qr-code-generator or www.beqrious.com/generator or
invx.com

3. Save the image of the QR code*.


4. Turn it into a textiles pattern
     a.      Feel free to create your QR code freehand
     b.      Or manually with the aid of graph paper
     c.       If you need help, try using a programme such as Cat Mazza’s free knit-pro programme which asks you to upload your image and will produce a graph for you where one pixel = 1 stitch

5. Create your QR code in textiles

6. Take a photo of your work, upload it to Flickr, and add it to this pool by SUNDAY 31ST JULY

Then enjoy the work other people have included and wait to hear back from us about whether we can include your piece in the exhibition.

*You can check your code works by testing it on your phone. Download a code reader app to your mobile phone. Some freely available readers are listed here http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/ or check your phone manufacturer's app page or app store for more.

FAQs

 Q: What is a QR Code?

QR codes are traditionally a two-dimensional image like a barcode; used by barcode readers and camera phones. They usually consist of smaller black squares on a larger square white background. The information contained within usually direct code readers to a website, but can also be used to hide text messages or other information. 

Q: Do I have to use a particular website for my QR code?

A: No, the choice of website is up to you, and the ‘interestingness’ of the site your QR code sends people to will be part of the selection criteria for work being exhibited in the Manchester exhibition. However this work could be seen by anyone, of any age so we  would not accept, share or select anything that supports negative prejudice (racism, sexism, faith based incitement to hatred etc); or explicit / parental advisory content.

Q: What sort of textiles work can I submit?

A: Anything, we’re interested in your imagination. You can use traditional textile materials,  or unexpected materials such as found objects or recycled industrial products which come together through textile techniques.

However selected entries will be mounted on a wall for exhibition purposes so please bear that in mind: entries must have a flat base for wall hanging. Also please bear in mind that the project is about creating QR codes which are 3D. Screen-printed codes are unlikely to be selected for that reason (unless heavily worked over in some 3D textile format, or printed onto a 3D surface)

Q: Are there any size restrictions on what I create?

A: No, there is no set minimum or maximum size, though remember you will need to be able to take a clear photograph of your work fully front-on so that it can be tested to see if it ‘works’ from the Flickr pool. And if your work is chosen for the exhibition you will be asked to post / ship it to us, which may also influence the scale you choose to work on. We will try and find wall space to accommodate any size work though most spaces are no larger than 2 metres high x 1 metre wide. Your work can be much smaller than this of course. 

Q: Do I have to put my work in the Flickr pool? What if I don’t have a Flickr account?

A: Yes please, part of this project is about communities and sharing ideas and experiments online across the world. It also means we know all entries are in one place when we come to selecting pieces for the exhibition, and it protects the copyright of your work because your photograph is automatically linked to you and you can choose if or how you want to share your photographs with other people.

It’s free to join and use Flickr by registering at www.flickr.com

Q: Can I submit more than one piece?

A: Yes, there are no limits on how many works you may submit. You can only add 5 images per day to the Flickr pool, you're welcome to come back another day and add more.

Q: I want to join in but I don’t want to be part of the exhibition, is that OK?

A: Yes. Create your work and put it in the Flickr pool for others to enjoy anyway. When work is selected for the exhibition we’ll be in touch and you can tell us you don’t want to take part if that’s what you prefer.

Q: How will pieces be selected for the exhibition? 

A: There are three main criteria. Works must fulfill at least one of the three. One - functionality; does your code work and take viewers somewhere? Two - the textile content, does it show quality of process, or innovation? Three - the 'interestingness' of the place your code takes the viewer to - what's going on in the destination site or text of your code?

An independent guest panel will assist in the selection of works for exhibition from the Flickr pool. These will include craft, digital culture and coding experts. More details will be made available as the panel members are confirmed.

Q: If my work is selected, are there any terms and conditions of taking part in the exhibition I should know about?

A: Terms and conditions of taking part in the exhibition will be sent to those invited to take part. If you have any questions in advance please feel free to get in touch.

Q: My question hasn’t been answered, who can I ask?

A: Contact Sally Fort here, all queries will be answered as quickly as possible.