the shape of thoughts

the shape of thoughts

A creative hackathon exploring the data of our inner worlds

We’re in a turning point in history. Technology is now woven into every part of our lives — and for many people, that brings uncertainty. Artists, coders, academics, and creatives across fields are wondering how their work fits into a world increasingly shaped by AI.

The Shape of Thoughts is an opportunity to pause and respond to that moment — not with fear, but with curiosity, connection, and creativity.

It’s a chance to meet people outside your usual circles. To learn how others think. To collaborate in new ways. And to create something meaningful, not just within the container of the hackathon, but beyond it — something that can be shared with the wider community.

The work created here won’t just live in a folder. It will be exhibited in a public gallery in February, with selected pieces featured online and promoted through our platforms. This is about showcasing not just what was made, but how it was made — and the powerful combinations of skill, thought, and feeling that came together to build it.

Applications are open to anyone. While places are limited and participants will be selected, you don’t need a specific background or resume to take part. If you have an idea or a perspective you’d like to explore, it’s worth applying — our selection process isn’t prescriptive.

  • We’re bringing together small interdisciplinary teams, each made up of people with complementary skills — for example:

    • Artists and designers

    • Coders and creative technologists

    • Data scientists and researchers

    • Writers, storytellers, and communicators

    Each team will be given a theme to explore using:

    • Academic research

    • Public data (Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, search patterns)

    • Creative tools (animation, visualisation, metaphor)

    Over the course of the hackathon, you’ll move through stages of brainstorming, resource gathering, and creative experimentation — identifying valuable information, uncovering patterns, and transforming insights into powerful visual stories.

  • Hackathon: March 13th

    Online gallery launch: April

    Public exhibition (Melbourne): June 2026

    Applications open: August

    Applications close: Mid-Feb

  • Applications are limited — we’re curating a small, high‑quality group of people who are serious about their craft and curious about collaboration. If you’re selected, you’ll be working alongside others who are equally dedicated, open, and skilled in what they do.

    This is a rare chance to build something meaningful with people you might not otherwise cross paths with — people who could become long‑term collaborators or creative allies.

    The event is designed to help you connect across the full cohort. You’ll have structured opportunities to mix, share ideas, and learn from others — so the network you build here will go beyond your core team.

    Apply if you’re curious about new ideas, open to collaboration, and interested in exploring your perspective alongside others.

  • Applications are open to anyone. While places are limited and participants will be selected, you don’t need a specific background or resume to take part. If you have an idea or a perspective you’d like to explore, it’s worth applying — our selection process isn’t prescriptive.

    • Artists — illustrators, animators, storytellers, and metaphor‑makers, curious souls with an idea to explore

    • Coders — creative technologists, developers, and systems thinkers who enjoy building interactive or experimental projects

    • Data scientists and researchers — especially those curious about emotion, language, and visualisation

    We’re especially excited by people who want to explore unfamiliar ideas, work in cross‑disciplinary ways, and create something that feels human.

    If you’re unsure if you’re a fit, apply anyway. Just give us a strong reason why you want to be involved. We’re flexible with how we’re formulating this. If you’ve got a creative drive and you’re good at what you do, we’ll definitely consider you.

    If you’re sitting there doubting yourself and wondering, am I good enough? — apply. Often, the ones who doubt themselves the most are the ones who have the most to offer.

    Want to join as a group? Let us know. If you already have a group but are missing a member, we can help match you with others.

  • What you make will be entirely up to you and your team.

    Your final work could be:

    • An interactive website

    • A short animation

    • A data-driven art piece

    • A creative dashboard or experimental visualisation

    • Something entirely unexpected

    All submissions will be published on the Make Your Mind website, linked to your profile, bio, and any other work you want to share. You’ll also receive professional photographs of your final piece.

    Finalists will be selected for a physical gallery exhibition in February. We’ll work with you to refine your project so it can be displayed in a way that’s accessible to the public.