is this thing on?
Platform, performances, exhibitions, workshops
2022 - ongoing

thing.tube is an experimental livestreaming network for artists, founded by the collective “is this thing on?” The platform is developed as a process of software creation as performance art. Its features and form are shaped by our own desires, conceptual questions about online platforms, and the current context of livestreaming and the web. Currently, thing.tube allows performers to stream from customized rooms, connected by a webring and a universal chat. We’re building and connecting in the spirit of web3, decentralizing technology in the service of decentralizing power, without (necessarily) relying on the blockchain or crypto. Our code is open source and archived on our github. For the full history of our project, feel free to explore our public archive on google drive. We’re currently preparing a retrospective for the Museum of the Moving Image that will open in April 2025.

Founders
Bhavik Singh
Christopher Clary
Molly Soda
Sarah Rothberg

Additional performers
Chia Amisola
Darla DeVour
Herdimas Anggara
Maya Man

Technologists
Mark Ramos
Kevin Yeh

Support
Federal Foreign Office of Germany
Goethe Institute
Gray Area
Meta Open Arts
Museum of the Moving Image
NEW INC
Nguyen Wahed
Onassis ONX

Mentors
Roderick Shrock
Mai Sutton

Exhibitions
Museum of the Moving Image
Nguyen Wahed

Workshop
Gray Area Festival