To the People, Community Engagement with Multimedia Performing Arts Through Portability and Interactivity

Abstract

Observations are drawn from numerous events of two portable and experiential community participation multi-media environments, Big Tent and Hourglass. These concepts, created and realized by the co-authors, focus upon broadening active public engagement with cross-disciplinary arts. Approaches to venue design and artistic content seek to diversify event location possibilities and encourage community involvement. Specific advantages are noted for both Hourglass, a community dance participation event of immersive live acoustic/electronic music and interactive video, and Big Tent, a portable large scale 360-degree sound and video performing arts venue for audience interactivity.