MadLab always has a calendar full of interesting courses for the public, and it looks like the high standard will be carrying on into 2015. There are many courses planned for the first quarter of next year, some digitally-orientated, some not-so. A few of the best are listed below…
WordPress for Beginners
If you are looking to set up a website or professional blog, then ‘WordPress for Beginners’ is for you. The course tutor Mike Little, one of the founders of WordPress, will give you an introduction to this simple but powerful publishing platform which runs over 70 million websites worldwide (including Manchester Wire). The course will teach you how to set up your site, customise it, publish content, and engage with your site visitors. By the end of the two days, you will have a website and know how to update it. No prior knowledge is required, but you will need a laptop (Windows, OSX, or Linux). A limited number of discounted places are available for those on low incomes. Please see the website below for more information. Intermediate and advanced WordPress course will take place in February and March.
Thu 29 – Fri 30 Jan, 36-40 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HN, 10am – 4.30pm, £300, madlab.org.uk
Bid Writing
Led by arts and cultural producer Laura H. Drane, ‘Bid Writing’ is aimed at those looking to secure funds for charity, artistic, or community projects. The course isn’t only about how to fill in a form, but will teach you about the whole process, from identifying sources of funding to delivering a winning bid. The wider strategic and policy context will also be outlined, along with how to tips on how to evaluate the process. If you send supporting materials in advance, Laura will tailor the day for attendees who are targeting specific bids. The course is open to those who have not yet been through the bidding process, and those with more experience who are looking to improve their skills.
Tue 17 Mar, MadLab, 36-40 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HN, 10am – 4.30pm, £100, madlab.org.uk
Games Dev 101 – Level 1
‘Game Dev 101 – Level 1’ is a seven-hour course that teaches the fundamentals of creating videogames to people with no experience of coding or programming. The tutor Dan Tett will introduce attendees to both the technical and creative aspects of the subject. Using many popular examples, Dan will explain what makes a game enjoyable as well as technically sound. By the end of the day, you will understand how to get started in several games-making environments. There will be a lot of hands-on work, so a computer or laptop (Windows, OSX, or Linux) is required. After completing this course, attendees may wish to move on to Level 2, taking place later in February.
Sat 7 Feb, MadLab, 36-40 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HN, 10am – 5pm, Tickets £70, madlab.org.uk
Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy
If the above courses sound a little bit too practical for you, you might want to try this one. ‘Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy’ will teach you the basics of skinning and stuffing mice, and wiring up their limbs. Using miniature accessories, such as hats and scarves, students can then turn their mouse into a parody of human life. If all this doesn’t sound macabre enough, course leader Margot Magpie (possibly not her real name), runs the same course but with rats. No experience is necessary, but being the creepy son of a motel owner would probably help. All equipment, chemicals, and presumably pre-killed mice are provided.
Sat 7 Mar, MadLab, 36-40 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HN, 10.30am – 2.30pm, £65, madlab.org.uk
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Sun 8 Feb 2015