The latest Numix Lab (between Brussels and Amsterdam, December 4-8, 2023) was an opportunity to examine the practices surrounding digital art and the places that host it. A very active 5-day immersion where Unframed Collection was able to set down its camera and interview those who connect XR creation with the general public.
Eighth interview: Jeanne Dompierre is the Executive Director of Xn Québec that supports the producers of Québec’s digital creativity in achieving responsible industry growth.
What are your main missions?
Jeanne Dompierre – Our members create a wide range of projects in the cultural and creative industries. This includes digital art, museum installations, and projects in augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. Some also develop more linear formats, such as podcasts or original web series. As an association, our goal is to meet the needs of our members, whether in terms of representation, promotion, or networking. We also participate in events like Numix Lab, which aim to foster meetings and exchanges.
In your opinion, is there a formula to optimize the international reach of an XR work?
Jeanne Dompierre – Our network of members is extremely diverse, as are their business models. This sometimes results in inequalities: some works achieve international recognition, while others struggle to find an audience. This is a common phenomenon in the cultural sector.
Jeanne Dompierre – Each project has unique characteristics – the medium, the narrative, the format, the length, or even the technology required to experience it. The notoriety of the studio or creators also plays a role. All these elements combine to form a kind of grid of criteria. Sometimes, a lesser-known work manages to deeply move its audience through a particularly impactful narrative.
Jeanne Dompierre – In short, there isn’t a single factor that guarantees success, but rather a convergence of elements that determine whether a project can achieve prominence.
What is the role of cultural venues in this process?
Jeanne Dompierre – The Quebec government recently launched an initiative to integrate digital creativity into various spaces beyond specialized dissemination venues. The goal is to democratize access to digital culture across the province, notably through collaborations with cultural venues in smaller municipalities or with spaces that are not necessarily cultural. This approach seeks to spread digital culture throughout the territory.
Jeanne Dompierre – To me, this initiative symbolizes the future: a breakdown of barriers in dissemination spaces. We will see highly specialized venues evolve even further, exploring immersive technologies that integrate touch or smell, for example. These innovations will transform audience experiences, immersing them in extraordinary worlds.
Jeanne Dompierre – At the same time, we will witness the democratization of technological tools. Similar to CANVA for graphic design, we will have accessible solutions for creating augmented reality experiences. These tools will open up new possibilities for organizations, even those with limited resources. It will be fascinating to watch this evolution.