Opening the code, expanding the stage

A wide variety of innovative technologies are increasingly used by artists in their music practices. However, a significant barrier remains: often, creative tools and technologies are heavily gatekept by expensive, proprietary software. What unfolds when you invite artists working across different musical, visual, and technological traditions to experiment with open source technology in their shows? To understand the impact of the Open Culture Tech project and to uncover how their stories can provide a blueprint for others, we sat down with eight artists who participated in one of the Open Culture Tech residencies. This report aims to show that these experiments go beyond the individual performances, offering a practical roadmap for artists who are curious about open source technology but unsure where to begin.