An accompanying workshop to jailbreak old Apple devices for reusability in modern livelihoods.

Each participant will be requested to bring an old i-device to go through the process of “jailbreaking”. If participants do not have old Apple devices, they are welcome to bring other specific hardwares to experiment with modifications and tooling to get them up and running again (think old phones, media players, game consoles). We will be looking for ways to play around with the existing hardware and re-incorporating them back into serviceable devices. Potential avenues could include: extra screens for an art installation, modded gaming consoles to play lost media, or simply using your old iPod as a music player again. This workshop will also have a discussion on the philosophy of perma-computing, or ways we can hack existing devices to extend their longevity and limit our own production of e-waste. Devices are planned to become obsolete, and it is our job as soft(ware) custodians to maintain, cultivate, and care for these old and forgotten tools. Some sample materials may be provided to practice using these modding tools, but participants are encouraged to bring their own devices. Cables and software will be provided.

About the Instructor:
Sam Heckle (they/she) is a bi-coastal creative technologist, specializing in ethical software, generated systems, and soft network design currently teaching creative coding at New York University. Her art practice focuses on curating generated rituals that blend physical sculptures with digital interfaces, queer representations in media, and researching the social cybernetic. Sam’s work has previously been a part of ELO (Un)Linked, and in galleries throughout the NYC area. They are also an organizer of Destruction Junket, a Brooklyn-based art collective. Sam holds a BS in Game Development and a MPS in Interactive Telecommunications. You can find them in Brooklyn hanging out at the local library, picnicking at the park, or online at https://samheckle.com/