On Friday, June 19th, 2015 the Linden Endowment for the Arts announced the successful applicants for the 9th round of the LEA’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programme.
Cocytus: the 9th circle of Hell – Frankx Lefavre, AIR round 8
The LEA received over 40 applications, and those selected were viewed as presenting “truly outstanding proposals that represent a diverse range of virtual art” – and it is pleasing to note some new names within the list of awardees.
The successful applicants will each be allocated a full region within the LEA for a 6-month period commencing on July 1st, 2015. They will then have up to four months to prepare their projects, which range from full-sim immersions, to innovative builds geared specifically for multimedia works such as sound and machinima.
Each installation must be open for a minimum of two months of the 6-month allocation, and it is expected that some will be open in advance of the four-month build deadline. All exhibits must be open to the public by the end of October 2015 at the latest.
City Inside Out Phase II: “Stories” – Haveit Neox, AIR round 8
The following notes are taken from the TPV Developer (TPVD) meeting held on Friday, June 19th. A video of the TPVD meeting is included below, with any time stamps in the following text referring to it. My thanks as always to North for the recording and providing it for embedding.
SL Viewer
RC Viewers
[0:39 / 08:00] The Viewer-Managed Marketplace (VMM) viewer reached release candidate status on Thursday, June 18th with the release of version 3.7.31.302677. This means the VMM code is now officially available for TPVs to integrate into their viewers. When this viewer reaches release status, it will signal the end of the current VMM beta period.
[22:37] Currently, the Lab is aiming to promote the Experience Tools, VMM and attachment fixes (Project Big Bird) in order – although what that order might be, has yet to be finally determined.
A new Maintenance RC viewer, version 3.7.31.302685, entered the release channel on Friday, June 19th, with some 50 fixes, improvements and updates, covering building, snapshots, group ban fixes, rendering fixes, etc. Please refer to the release notes for full details.
Project Viewers
An update to the Oculus Rift project viewer (currently version 3.7.18.295296, and not updated since October 2014) is anticipated to be arriving “soon”, although no precise date is available.
[09:10] A new voice project viewer is expected to appear in week #26 (week commencing Monday, June 22nd), with fixes for voice issues directly from Vivox.
[09:32] A project viewer based on the latest HTTP updates (llcorehttp) that rider Linen has been working on is also expected to make its appearance shortly. This will likely remain at project viewer status for a while as it goes through various iterations as further improvements and revisions are made.
[10:00] A further project viewer with the Lab’s revamped notifications interface (see BUG-8000) is also anticipated as arriving soon as well.
A preliminary version from February 2015 of the proposed new notification panel (see BUG-8000). Note that is is a work-in-progress and may be subject to change prior to release (image courtesy of Whirly Fizzle)
Chromium Embedded Framework
[10:14] Work is progressing with the switch from webkit to the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) for media management such that it is entirely possible that a project viewer using CEF may be appearing in the next two weeks.
Snowstorm Project Viewers
[10:30] There are two Snowstorm (open-source contributions) viewers in progress. One of these includes the Avatar Complexity work and the ability to save graphics preferences for the viewer which are being developed by Jonathan Yap (see below for more on this viewer).
The second is a viewer build clean-up viewer that includes a number of TPV-contributed updates and fixes. This latter viewer is currently awaiting internal resources at the Lab, but should hopefully “very, very soon”.
Avatar Complexity
The introduction of a bug has paused work on the Avatar Complexity code
The Avatar Complexity (aka Jelly Babies) project is the upcoming functionality which provides greater control to user to define how other avatars are rendered in their world-view.
However, a recent hiccup means that the project has been on hold. n making some changes to the code, Oz accidentally broke the code such that instead of rendering as a solid colour, avatars exceeding the limit are currently rendering as transparent, and this is yet to be fixed.
Commenting on situation at the TPV Developer meeting, Oz indicated any help any willing devs can provide to help sort the problem out, would be appreciated. The public repository for the code is here.
The code problem arose as Oz sought to make changes such that avatars above the rendering limit set by the user render as “Jelly Babies” (i.e. a solid colour, as previously indicated in discussing the project), those avatars with incomplete rendering data are rendered grey (as we currently sometimes see in-world), and those that the user has muted are simply not rendered at all.
Asa Vordun has announced that her beautiful and atmospheric region, L’arc en Ciel (“rainbow”) is to close at the end of June 2015.
For anyone who has visited the region through its various iterations, this is indeed sad news; it has been a consistent output of creative vision since it’s original inception in July 2014. For many, it has become a regular destination, with people keen to see and enjoy each redesign Asa has undertaken; all of which have brought forth new delights – some light, some dark, for people to immerse themselves in.
The reason for the closure is given alongside the announcement. In short: dealing with the muppets of this virtual world and their inability to abide by even the simplest of requests, behaviour-wise, finally took it toll on Asa’s patience.
It’s always sad when something like this happens; doubly so with a place as notable as L’arc. However, Asa’s decision isn’t hard to understand and support; I just hope she’ll find a way to continue give release to her creative flair, even on a smaller, more controlled scale.
I say this because I’ve been a fan of her creativity for almost two years now, having first encountered it in November 2013, when I first visited her wonderful Caprice and Easy A builds, which offered two truly delightful designs, with whimsy in one and a rich Christmas spirit in the other.
I returned to them again in April 2014, after Asa had completed a springtime redesign, one which still leaves me wondering if it acted as the springboard for her seeking to work on something larger, and thus leading her to create L’arc en Ciel. The latter was utterly breathtaking when it first appeared in July 2014 – as I noted at the time – and as noted here, remained so ever since.
L’arc is due to close on June 28th, so there is still time to visit – and I really recommend that if you have does so recently or before, that you do so before it vanishes. In its current iteration, it offers a hauntingly beautiful blend of rural and run-down urban settings caught in a forever dusk as shooting stars streak the sky overhead. A place where the westering Sun casts shadow long enough to encourage lamps and lanterns to be lit, even as the converted chapel out on the headland beckons one on a pilgrimage along road and over bridge.
At the chapel, one can find a place of sanctuary and peace which, while perhaps not quite in keeping with the religious intent with which it may have originally been built, is still nonetheless soothing to the soul and encourages one to terry for a time.
On Thursday, June 18th, Linden Lab announced that the SL12B velociraptor avatar, initially made available to Premium members, is now generally available to all.
The avatar, which will be available through until the end of July can now be claimed at the in-world kiosk at Hairy Hippo Fun Land, Weston, Bay City, or via the Marketplace – although I wouldn’t be surprised if vendors also appear within the SL12B Community Celebration regions as well in the upcoming week.
As is usual with the release of birthday avatars, the Lab is also running a photo contest with L$19,000 available in prizes (broken down into a L$10,000 grand prize, L$5,000, 1st prize, L$3,000 2nd prize, or a L$1,000 3rd prize).
The official blog post announcing the availability of the avatar to all, and the competition, described the latter thus:
The SL12B raptor avatar: subject of the latest photo contest
Now that you’ve got your raptor – it’s time to take ‘em for a test drive. Share snapshots of your raptor avatar celebrating SL12B to the Second Life 12th Anniversary Snapshot Contest from now until July 20th … Be creative! This limited-edition raptor has the entirety of the grid to seek out a picture-perfect spot to take a winning snapshot – but a good place to start is the SL12B Destination Guide category.
The closing date for submissions is 10:00 SLT on Monday, July 20th, 2015. Winners will be decided via popular vote against all submitted entries on the competition pages, with voting opening at 10:00 SLT on July 20th, 2015 and running though until 10:00 SLT August 3rd, 2015.
Just as an aside, The last photo contest was held in February in the form of a photo booth contest. This was judged by a panel (of which I was a member), but the final results got a little lost due to various reasons.
So, in order to (hopefully) help clear the air, the grand and first prize winners in that competition were LadyPants07 and Kye Zelin respectively – belated congratulations to them. However, the 2nd and 3rd prize winners, did not submit the necessary documentation to claim their prizes pursuant to the competition rules, and so the Lab are unable to share their names.
Builder’s Brewery: a great resource for in-world building, and hosting a week of RFL fund-raisers between June 20th and June 27th
Starting on Saturday, June 20th, and running through until Saturday, June 27th, Builder’s Brewery are, along with partners the Relay Wizards Team, hosting a series of events to help raise money for RFL of SL 2015.
The focal point for the fund-raising is a silent art auction, which kicks-off at 13:00 SLT on Saturday, June 20th with a party featuring DJ Magnus Brody. Throughout the week, and across the Builder’s Brewery regions, art donated by artists from across Second Life will be offered for silent auction – simply click to bid. All funds raised will go to RFL of SL.
As well as classes, the sandbox and a huge number of building-related resources, Builder’s Brewery includes the Builder’s Village
Also occurring throughout the week – so keep an eye on the announcements – will be Jail’n’Bail and the opportunity to drop well-known figures in the Dunk Tank, including the Brewery’s own Sensuous Maximus, who will be facing a dunking on Thursday, 25th June between 14:00 and 17:00 SLT!
With parties and a Poetry Slam as well (see further down in this article), key events and activities for the week comprise (all times SLT):
Saturday 20 June
13:00-15:00 Mystery and Magic Masquerade Ball with DJ Magnus Brody. formal attire requested
Start of the silent art auction
Sunday 21 June
Silent art auction continues alongside Builder’s Brewery regular events
Monday 22 June
Silent art auction continues alongside Builder’s Brewery regular events
Tuesday 23, June
17:00-18:00: DJ John Simms turns up Techno Tuesday with a party!
Silent art auction continues
Wednesday 24, June
17:00: Anhayla and Dr. Fran will host a building contest at the Brewery Sandbox! Prizes: 1st – L$2000; 2nd – L$1000; 3rd – L$500
Silent art auction continues
Thursday 25 June
14:00-17:00 Come dunk the Brewery’s own Sensuous Maximus! Don’t forget the dunk tank and jail’n’bail will be available throughout the week!
Silent art auction continues
Friday 26 June
19:00-21:00 Poetry Slam contest, hosted by Natalya, Explorer and Blue
Prizes: 1st – L$2000; 2nd – L$1000; 3rd – L$500
Silent art auction continues
Saturday 27 June
Last day of the silent art auction
21:00-11:59: Pajama Party
The Poetry Slam contest on Friday, June 26th doesn’t carry an entry fee, but those wishing to participate will be asked to make a donation of at least L$100 to RFL of SL in order to be eligible for any of the prizes on offer. Those who prefer not to make a donation can still participate and read their poetry, but will not be eligible for the prizes.
Please make sure you register for the contest ahead of time!
So, do be sure to pop along to Builder’s Brewery during the coming week and join-in with some of these events for RFL of SL. And if you’re new to Second Life, or to in-world building, do be sure to take a good look around Builder’s Brewery; it is one of the longest-running and most respected resource and teaching centres in Second Life. Do be sure to check-out their website and class schedule as well!
The SL12BCC Dreamitarium – venue for some great talks throughout the celebrations
The SL12B Community Celebrations commence on Sunday, June 21st, when the gates officially open at midday for a week-long series of events to mark the platform’s 12th anniversary, spread across 15 regions.
As usual, this year includes some amazing builds – the main stages are all visually stunning once again, and promise to wow visitors touring the celebrations. The auditorium is also another phenomenal build this year – and one I find particularly attractive, given it is modelled on the theme of a planetarium 🙂 .
The auditorium – or Dreamitarium, as it’s being called this year to fit with the theme of the celebrations – in SL12 B Astound, will be the focal point for one of the main series of events through the week of SL12B: the talks and presentations, including a series of talks and panels once again sponsored by Prim Perfect.
The Dreamitarium lobby area
Saffia Widdershins contacted me with news of the talks, which are just a part of the overall series of events and activities occurring at the Dreamitarium, and I’m happy to provide insight to them here.
There will be five streams of talks presented by Prim Perfect and their partners this year, which are each scheduled for the same time each day, as follows.
Meet the Non-profit – daily at 09:00 SLT
A chance to learn about some of the great work being done by non-profit organisations active in Second Life Grid. Organised by Rhiannon Chatnoir of Non-profit Commons who also co-sponsor the talks.
Monday 22 June
Virtual Ability Inc. with Gentle Heron
Tuesday 23 June
Health non-profits with Coughran Mayo and Brena Benoir
Wednesday 24 June
Arts non-profits with Zinnia Zauber
Thursday 25 June
Create a Community Dream Lissena Wisdomseeker and Whole Brain Health
Friday 26 June
Non-profit Commons in SL Community Panel with Buffy Beale, Coughran Mayo, Glitteractica Cookie, Rhiannon Chatnoir and Zinnia Zauber
Saturday 27 June
Relay for Life with Gem Sunkiller
Sunday 28 June
A Wisdomseeker’s Dream with Lissena (Wisdomeseeker)
Meet the Lindens – Monday – Friday, 13:00 SLT
A chance to meet with some of the people who keep Second Life working, who bring us new tools and capabilities, and provide support to the community:
Monday 22 June
Oz Linden, Engineering Director, Second Life
Tuesday 23 June
Patch Linden, Senior Manager, Product Operations, and Dee Linden, Land Product Specialist
Wednesday 24, June
Xiola Linden, Lead Community Manager, and Pete Linden, Senior Director, Global Communications at Linden Lab
Come and hear designers in a wide range of fields discussing their work, inspirations and aspiration to Saffia Widdershins.
Sunday 21 June
Fantasy Faire Designers: Alia; Sharni; Kayle
Monday 22 June
Nardya Rousselot – Nardcotix, Victoria Grau – VG Shoes, Eboni Khan -House of Hucci
Tuesday 23 June
TBA
Wednesday 24, June
Kaerri Rae
Thursday 25 June
Reven Rosca
Friday 26 June
Ladies of Mesh: Shai, Nardya Rousselot (The Loft), Colleen (The Loft) pending
Saturday 27 June
La Vian
Sunday 28 June
Men of Mesh : Loz Hyde, Maxwell Graf, Cain Maven
The Dreamitarium main auditorium
Meet the Artist – daily at 16:00 SLT
A chance to hear from artists who are using Second Life in a variety of ways for artistic expression in conversation with Taralyn Gravois.
Sunday 21 June
TBA
Monday 22 June
IanLee Patton
Tuesday 23 June
Moya Patrick
Wednesday 24, June
Haveit Neox
Thursday 25 June
Krystalli Rabeni
Friday 26 June
Wildstar Beaumont
Saturday 27 June
TBA
Sunday 28 June
TBA
Meet the Community – daily at 17:00
Communities are the bedrock of Second Life – how are they forged? How are they sustained? And can they be transposed elsewhere? Saffia Widdershins finds out!
Sunday 21 June
Sanctuary
Monday 22 June
Angel Manor
Tuesday 23 June
Milkwood (Writers’ Community)
Wednesday 24, June
Al Raqis
Thursday 25 June
The Power of Virtual Education
Friday 26 June
Performance Arts – Aelva
Saturday 27 June
New Babbage
Sunday 28 June
Raglanshire
So, get ready for some great presentations, talks and conversations sponsored by Prim Perfect! And don’t forget there is a lot more going on at the auditorium and the two forum meeting rooms at the Dreamitarium through the week of S12BCC activities, so be sure to check-out the official auditorium’s schedule daily!
On Friday, June 19th, 2015 the Linden Endowment for the Arts announced the successful applicants for the 9th round of the LEA’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programme.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 