SYNCLAB — tools, scripts, and research materials for synchronous action scores & distributed performance
SYNCLAB is a meta-repository collecting code, patches, and experiments aimed at supporting synchronous action scores, distributed performance systems, and artistic research workflows. It unifies tools developed across projects, enabling reproducible and extensible practice-based research in networked artistic performance.
Modern artistic performance, especially in domains like distributed music, dance, and action scores, often relies on:
- Temporal alignment across machines, performers, and sensors.
- Experimental interaction affordances (e.g., patching, transformations, network sync).
- Reusable tools that bridge research concepts with live practice.
SYNCLAB exists to:
- Aggregate tools, servers, and interfaces used in SYNCLAB-related research.
- Provide a shared foundation for synchronous performance systems.
- Support distributed performance experiments with clear workflows and documentation.
At a glance — what you’ll find in this repo:
SYNCLAB/
├── FILES/ ← Core definitions & scripts
├── TIMEKEEP/ ← Temporal coordination tools
├── TransForms/ ← Transform frameworks for action scores
├── polyServer/ ← Server utilities for networked performance
├── polytempoWeb/ ← Browser interfaces & clients
├── tools/ ← Misc scripts and helpers
├── .gitmodules ← Submodule pointers to linked repos
└── README.md ← This file
Each subfolder is itself a (sub)project, often with its own internal structure, builds, or dependencies.
Action scores are procedural descriptions guiding real-time artistic actions. SYNCLAB’s focus is on synchronous scores — where performers coordinate in time across digital and physical boundaries.
Experiments where performers, systems, and environments interact over networks (e.g., Wi-Fi/LAN), requiring coordinated timing, messaging, and visual/audio feedback.
This repo bridges artistic research (working prototypes, experiments, papers) with tools that can be reused, extended, or adapted.
git clone --recursive https://github.com/AdrianArtacho/SYNCLAB.gitIf you’ve already cloned without submodules:
git submodule init
git submodule updateEach directory includes its own README and usage notes — start with those that match your needs:
TIMEKEEP/for timing & sync toolspolyServer/for server infrastructuretools/for utility scripts used across experiments
Depending on your project or experiment, you might use:
- Live-coding interfaces
- Browser clients (in
polytempoWeb/) - Networked messaging servers
- Time synchronization scripts
- Stand-alone performance patches
Refer to each subdirectory’s own docs for details.
This repo is a living lab. Contributions are welcome!
✔ Add or improve tools used in performance workflows ✔ Write or extend documentation for clarity ✔ Share experiments & results that depend on these tools ✔ Open issues to track ideas, bugs, or project planning
Guidelines
- Fork the repo
- Work in a feature branch
- Open a PR with context & motivation
- Link related issues for visibility
SYNCLAB supports research inquiries around:
- Temporal coordination in distributed performance
- Networked action scores
- Practice-based artistic research methods
It serves as a toolbox for experimental and exploratory systems — both for prototyping and for reproducible research dissemination.
This repository and its submodules are made available under terms defined in their respective folders — please check individual components for license details.
Maintained by Adrián Artacho, artist/researcher focused on action scores, distributed performance, and artistic research experiments. For questions, insights, or collaborations, use GitHub discussions or open an issue. [1]: "README Best Practices"