Unframed Collection is a partner of Numix Lab, an annual European touring event that brings together professionals and experts in the field of immersive creation with cultural venues in the host countries. In 2024, Germany welcomed +250 people, with an intense week of exchanges and discoveries between Munich, Leipzig and Berlin! We took this opportunity to meet Denys Lavigne, President and co-founder of Oasis immersion in Montreal.
What is Oasis Immersion?
Denys Lavigne – Oasis immersion is based at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, along with our broadcast site and administrative offices. Oasis essentially operates with these two units, one for immersive production development (either original production, co-production or licensing), and the other for site operations and marketing outside Montreal.
D. L. – We’re really interested in immersive, mobile formats. The main site is about 2200 square meters, with three immersive galleries. There are 6 experience zones in all, with real immersive storytelling. In its current form, I’d say it’s a fairly recent medium. So we’re concentrating on the concept of shared experience, of the relationship between visitors in terms of emotion and narrative progression. We’re not an art gallery offering niche content, but we’re in touch with the general public, with the intention of reaching families, young adults and so on.
Oasis’ key exhibitions
D. L. – We produced one of our first exhibitions – which did very, very well – called “Recharger/Unwind”. It was an immersive exhibition that was designed as a “wellness” experience by adapting VR content for projection. More recently, we produced an exhibition with National Geographic called “Nature vive”, about bioversity. It’s an artistic celebration of biodiversity that was developed in support of the COP15 agreements in 2022 – an international conference whose aim is to protect 30% of environmental ecosystems by 2030.
D. L. – We also produced an exhibition on Van Gogh, “VAN GOGH – Distortion”, with Paquin Entertainment Group and Normal Studio. As we all know, Van Gogh has a magic with the world of immersion. I like to think we did a good project, one where we felt a connection with the artist – and it was well received by the public.
Distribution of Oasis projects
D. L. – We work with several immersive theaters around the world. At Numix Lab 2024 in Leipzig, we’re announcing the Immersive Center Alliance (ICA), the first grouping of independent immersive theaters. The aim is to promote content distribution, but also to address industry issues such as standardization, and production costs which are becoming increasingly high. For example, we are also launching international exhibitions, such as at the Museo de Historia Natural (MHN) in Mexico City, where we have opened a room.
D. L. – We work with a wide range of cultural sites to integrate immersion into their portfolio of experiences. Both technically and in terms of content. This contributes to the international dissemination of our projects, sometimes with adaptation to different types of environment, beyond purely immersive sites, let’s say.
Oasis at Numix Lab
D. L. – Numix Lab is one of my favorite industry events. I attended the first one in Paris. I think it’s important to connect. And at Numix Lab, there’s a real complicity between participants. There are exchanges that may seem informal, but they’re full of promises that are coming true. There’s an exchange of ideas about the challenges we’re all facing. It’s less segmented than a traditional conference.