How to Become an Octopus (and sometimes squid) - Kid Friendly Version

This experience is specifically for children aged 6-12 years old accompanied by an adult caretaker(s) who curious about cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish), new ways of sensing, and expanding the definition of self. No prior knowledge of cephalopods required—just an open mind and a willingness to experiment and play!

By blending cutting-edge science with movement exercises, the workshop invites participants to reimagine intelligence, adaptability, and connection—both within themselves and within their environment. Since 2017, the workshop has been taught internationally to hundreds of participants by Miriam Simun for the Institute for Transhuman Cephalopod Evolution. For Recess, Simun will offer an adapted version specifially for younger participants!

At its core, the workshop is structured around three key cephalopod-inspired intelligences:

Tactile Intelligence: Unlike humans, cephalopods engage with their environment primarily through their skin and suckers, effectively *thinking through touch*. This workshop explores how we can expand our awarenesss of our sense of touch as a means to explore our environment.

Shapeshifting Intelligence: Cephalopods are masters of transformation, altering their form, texture, and behavior to navigate complex environments. By studying these mechanisms, participants learn to become more aware of their surroundings and adapt their social and physical presence.

Distributed Intelligence: Octopuses have a nervous system is spread our throuought their body and arms. That's why some scientists say the octopus is a single organism with 9 brains! From another perspective, we can say it is nine organisms housed within a single skin. In this workshop we explore whether multiple humans can come together to inhabit a single organism?

What to Expect / Access Notes:

Workshops will last 1-1.5 hours. We will work alone, in partners, and as a group. Please wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in, be prepared to take off your shoes and spend time on the (padded/carpeted) floor. There will be an invitation to come into touch with yourself, your environment, and the others around you.

This is not a drop-off activity--adult caretakers are expected to particpate and accompany their child throughout the workshop, though if a child needs a break, there is an adjacent lobby area with seating. If you have specific questions as to whether this activity is appropriate for your child, feel free to email your questions to aW5mbyB8IHJlY2Vzc2FydCAhIG9yZw==.

For those with physical limitations working in a chair is also possible.

We ask all those who register to fill out this brief so that we know number and ages of children and adults, and can be aware of any sensitivities or needs. This will allow us to ensure the best experience for the group.

Repsonses From Past Workshop Participants

“ I really enjoyed the evolution of going from being a deep sea worm to having octopus suckers. I noticed that just through the workshop prompts it felt like I was moving in a new way.” - Justine L., Consent Trainer & Workshop Participant

“I learned to be more aware of what the people around me need - and I want to stay in touch with this.” - Delilah T., Start-Up Founder & Workshop Participant

Note This workshop is tailored for Children aged 6-12 accompanied by an adult caregiver only. Teen+ Adult versions of this workshop will be available at multiple times:

Saturdays :May 10, May 24, and June 14 from 2-4 PM (click here)

AND

Wednesdays May 14, May 28, and June 11 from 7-9PM (click here)

Acknowledgements

ITCE was founded by Miriam Simun at the MIT Media Lab, Design Fiction Group. The foundational work was created under the guidance of choreographer luciana achuagar, with the participation of scientist, engineers, dancers and synchronized swimmers, and in conversation with cephalopod husbandry expert Bret Grasse, philosopher Peter-Godfrey Smith, and in deep indebtedness to Vilém Flusser, Karen Barad, Astrida Neimanis, among many others.

__________________________________________________________________________

The workshop is part of artist Miriam Simun's Session project at Recess, click here for more information and additional programming.

~~ www.miriamsimun.xyz
~ links and things

insta: @yoururgetobreatheisalie

Also check out other Workshops in Brooklyn, Arts events in Brooklyn, Business events in Brooklyn.