Creative TouchDesigner Retreat Piemont

Expand your horizon while escaping the everyday grind.

Discover TouchDesigner for New Media Art and Installations in a breathtaking landscape, surrounded by a vibrant group of like-minded international creators. Learn from acclaimed educator and new media artist Simon Ryden (Supermarket Sallad), known for his popular tutorials, and local expert Arianna Ratazzi, better known as Mechbull Rodeo. This ten-day TouchDesigner retreat in the hills outside of Milan is designed to inspire both your digital practice and your inner balance.

TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming tool for real-time interactive media. Instead of coding line by line, users build networks that process visuals, audio, and data live—unlocking a fluid, hands-on way of working that feels both intuitive and empowering. Once mastered, its workflow becomes highly satisfying and almost infectious.
It’s used by artists, VJs, technologists, architects, and studios for installations, live shows, and immersive environments.

Combining deep and specific learning with real relaxation and rejuvenation, this intensive experience brings together curious minds for a period of learning, exploration, and renewal. Immerse yourself in the heart of Italy’s stunning Piemont region where you’ll discover its renowned cuisine: hand-harvested herbs, ripe tomatoes, fragrant olive oil, delicate cheeses – all expertly crafted into mouthwatering dishes that will awaken your senses.

Experience holistic rejuvenation guided by Oli Pinchbeck who will be leading daily grounding practices in qigong or yoga. He’ll help you reconnect with your body, focus your mind and unlock new creative energy.  Oli is a passionate chef who believes food is integral to creativity and well-being, and he will make sure this is a given by cooking for us every day.

This retreat culminates with a site-specific showing, utilizing the skills learned over the previous week to build an immersive experience that takes place around the retreat location and invites residents from the local area to take part in the evening event.  This will allow the participants to gain a real-time understanding of how the general public interacts with their work, and will also be documented to share with the wider community. 

Join us for an immersive journey of discovery, creativity, and self-renewal.

The Location

Robin’s Nest is a beautiful old farm built in the early 1700s. It has been carefully renovated to create a welcoming environment for retreats and workshops focused on harmony between body and mind and dedicated to learning. A large common room provides social space, while a digital classroom offers a large projector ideal for workshops or rehearsals. A bright space features dance flooring, lighting, and sound equipment, making it perfect for interactive performances. For those seeking solitude, there are cozy corners throughout the property perfect for sunbathing, meditation, or quiet conversations. Social retreaters will find gathering areas and chill-out spots designed for meeting others. The farm is nestled in the scenic Piedmont region in north Italy, close to Lago Maggiore. This peaceful setting offers an alternative to the everyday hustle and bustle, fostering connection and creativity for those seeking a focused environment.

robinsnest.it

Learn TouchDesigner the best way we know

For 30 years, interaction design education at the intersection of art and technology has taught us one thing: you cannot learn this in theory alone. You need to work on projects you are passionate about, develop an understanding of problem-solving as a craft, and follow a goal that keeps you motivated. And you are not alone—learning in a group of like-minded people from diverse backgrounds can turn a solitary and sometimes frustrating challenge into an inspiring shared experience.

Of course, everyone learns differently, but very few people do not benefit from the exchange and energy that comes with an intensive, results-driven experience like the one we are proposing.

Together with Simon, Arianna, and Oli, we have developed a curriculum that caters to both absolute beginners and intermediate users of TouchDesigner. Through hands-on exercises and case studies from the outset, you will explore this powerful software from a place of creativity and experimentation, shaped around your individual needs, skills, and aspirations.

The limited number of participants and the focused atmosphere will not only help you gain confidence with the technology, but also introduce you to artistic thinking and methods for sustaining creativity in a complex software environment that can easily overwhelm newcomers with its vast range of possibilities. Stay focused and grow your skills and concepts under the mentorship of Simon and Arianna.

The course is structured in three segments:

Intense Basics
The first three days are dedicated to bringing everyone up to speed. Participants can join a total beginner group or expand their knowledge in areas relevant to the case study, such as motion tracking, audio reactivity, generative 2D and 3D visuals, as well as the basics of setting up a stable and reliable project for live contexts. While this section focuses on learning the technology, participants are encouraged to develop concepts and ideas for location-based, interactive experiences shaped by their own visions and interests.

From Idea to Production
With the basics established and a range of ideas developed, the second phase explores how abstract concepts can be transformed into tangible directions that can evolve into producible projects. With the support of the instructors, these ideas are aligned with the constraints and challenges of the venue and the conditions of the final presentation, making use of the available equipment and spaces. In this phase, participants are encouraged to refine their ideas, exchange feedback with one another, and develop their visions into collaborative group projects with a realistic outlook for realization.

From Rehearsal to Showtime
The final section of the workshop is dedicated to prototyping and ultimately finalizing the works for public presentation. This stage involves a multitude of small but crucial decisions that can significantly shape the audience experience. The course culminates in a public showcase that not only invites the surrounding local community but also attracts the northern Italian TouchDesigner community to visit, connect, and take part in a shared meetup with participants.

Finally, after the audience has left, we will hold an extensive feedback session, reflecting on the learnings of the process and providing guidance for further development.

Pricing

Before we dive into details, lets make sure the basics are clear.
The price includes accomodation, tuition, access to rooms and equipment and all meals and non-alocoholic drinks. It does not include travel to and from Paruzzaro. That being said, Oli will be able to pick you up from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).

Reservation

To reserve your spot, please select the appropriate reservation option in the upper right corner (Single or Double Room).

The reservation fee will be refunded once the full retreat fee (as listed below) has been paid.After we receive your reservation, we will send an invoice to your email address. The invoice will include instructions on how to complete your payment via PayPal or bank transfer.

Once we have received your payment, your reservation fee will be refunded, and you will receive a confirmation that your stay has been successfully booked.

EARLY BIRD – Save 22%
May 1 – June 20

Single (individual) Room : 4134 EUR (10 Days : full board)
Double (shared) Room : 3471 EUR (10 Days : full board)*

* If you want to stay with a friend, let us know and we will make sure you have a room together, otherwise we will pair participants that have chosen a Double Room to the best of our abilities.