The Virtual Performance Lab [2022]

Open collaboration

Virtual live-stream / Duration: Variable / Hosted on Instagram, Ticktock and Twitch / Colour / Sound / HD / 16:9 / Portrait

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Statement

I was told, 'all virtual live art is crap' by a prominent Art World figure.

DEAD AIR, explores the creative potential of live-streamed performance.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented crisis for the arts, disrupting the traditional relationship between performer and audience as physical proximity became impossible. Performers turned to online platforms, such as Zoom and Twitch, and rapidly developed a diverse array of innovative virtual performances. However, the initial widespread yearning for ‘real’ connection in the post-pandemic landscape led many to cast aside virtual performance as a relic of a particularly challenging era for the arts. This rejection, while understandable, overlooks the significant advancements and potential that virtual performance still holds.

I believe it is crucial for the arts to re-engage with this burgeoning field, not only for the reasons mentioned above but also for the technology's potential to provide a more accessible and, in some instances, more environmentally friendly form of live art. We must explore the creative possibilities afforded by this technology, examine the thriving culture of virtual performance that exists beyond traditional arts frameworks, and understand the role it will play in forging meaningful connections between performers and audiences in the future.

DEAD AIR unites a diverse group of collaborators to deliver a regular programme exclusively for virtual audiences, ensuring an equal, shared experience. By focusing on virtual platforms, the project broadens access to live art, enabling individuals who may face geographical, physical, or financial barriers to participate and engage with performances. This commitment to inclusivity not only democratises the artistic experience but also cultivates a distinctive and accessible formal encounter.