After Dark: IK Prize, Tate Britain

Robots are taking over Tate Britain with the new innovation After Dark at the art gallery

Ever wondered what a gallery is like after hours when everyone is tucked up in bed? From tomorrow evening at 10pm until 3am for five nights only you’ll be able to watch online as four camera-equipped r obots  roam the halls of the Tate Britain. Children will also have an opportunity to operate the robots on 15th August from 19.30 to 00.30.

This new innovation from the design studio The Workers – comprised of Tommaso Lanza, Ross Cairns and David Di Duca - is the first winner of the new annual IK prize from Tate which celebrates digital creativity and technology’s ability to connect audiences with art they might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit. The result is for the first time ever the public will be lead through a real-time tour of the deserted galleries of Tate Britain at night. 

The Workers said: ‘We were thrilled to be part of this ambitious and open initiative. After Dark combines behind-the-scenes intrigue with a sense of exploration. The project will give people all over the world a unique experience of 500 years of British art.' Tate Media’s Creative Director, Jane Burton, also commented:  'We're looking forward to introducing new visitors from all over the world to Tate Britain. After all, who hasn't dreamed of wandering through a museum, alone, at night?'

Equipped with lights, a camera, sensors and motors the robots will stream a live video of the galleries along with a live commentary. To add to the beautifully bizarre nature of this project, a former International Space Station commander, Chris Hadfield, was the first to navigate the robots from his home in Toronto. A man who clearly knows where he is with digital technology! But don’t feel left out – a few lucky viewers will also be able to remotely control the robots from their own front room.  

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