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.

  • We’re bringing together small interdisciplinary teams — each made up of:

    • One artist

    • One data scientist

    • One coder

    Each team will be given a theme to explore using a combination of:

    • Academic research

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

    • Creative tools (animation, visualisation, metaphor)

    We’re bringing together small interdisciplinary teams — each made up of:

    • One artist

    • One data scientist

    • One coder

    Each team will be given a theme to explore using a combination of:

    • Academic research

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

    • Creative tools (animation, visualisation, metaphor)

    The hackathon will guide you through stages of brainstorming, resource gathering, and creative experimentation — helping you identify the right kind of information, explore different sources, and find powerful ways to build stories from what you uncover.

  • Hackathon Day 1: November 8

    Hackathon Day 2: November 15

    Online gallery launch: December 12

    Public exhibition (Melbourne): February 2026

    Applications open: August

    Applications close: Mid-September

    Successful applicants notified: October 1

  • 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 want to push your creative boundaries and find a fresh community of people.

  • Artists — illustrators, animators, storytellers, and metaphor-makers

    Coders — creative technologists, developers, and systems thinkers

    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.

  • 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.