The School for Poetic Computation (SFPC) cultivated a scenius through its deliberate construction of a learning environment that prioritized experimentation, collaboration, and a critical approach to technology. Unlike traditional academic institutions, SFPC emphasized a project-based curriculum where students learned by doing, sharing, and critiquing each other's work. The school's philosophical underpinning was a belief that technology should be approached with creativity, playfulness, and a sensitivity to its social and cultural implications. This ethos fostered innovation by encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to explore the uncharted territory between art and code, resulting in projects that often challenged conventional uses of technology and offered fresh perspectives on its potential.

SFPC's independent and community-driven structure further contributed to its unique atmosphere. Situated in New York City, the school attracted a diverse cohort of artists, programmers, and researchers who were disillusioned with the limitations of existing educational models and eager to explore alternative approaches to learning and making. The absence of formal accreditation or institutional constraints allowed SFPC to remain nimble and responsive to the evolving landscape of technology, constantly adapting its curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of its students and the broader community. This freedom, combined with the school's emphasis on open-source principles and knowledge sharing, created a fertile ground for the emergence of new ideas and practices in the field of creative computation.

• Casey Reas: Founder, Artist and programmer known for processing.
• Ben Fry: Founder, Artist and programmer known for processing.
• Zach Gage: Key Member, Game designer and artist.
• Lauren McCarthy: Key Member, Artist and researcher known for social media and interaction design.
• Taeyoon Choi: Key Member, Artist and researcher.
• Marius Watz: Key Member, Artist and researcher.

• Collaborated With: Rhizome; Shared resources and programming related to art and technology.
• Collaborated With: Eyebeam; Joint projects and workshops exploring digital art and critical making.
• Influenced By: MIT Media Lab; Shares a similar ethos of experimental technology and art.
• Collaborated With: Various artists and technologists; Many individual collaborations on specific projects and workshops.
• Collaborated With: Numerous academic institutions; Through visiting artists, workshops, and research collaborations.