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Description
The project "Valmiera Multimedia Festival Youth Arts and Education Programme" will create 6 new professional multimedia art products and an accompanying education programme in physical and digital environments, involving the primary target group - young people aged 15 to 18 (secondary school pupils) - in all stages of the project. Involvement is foreseen in the creation of the artworks, in feedback activities, in the festival and in training. The project involves an interdisciplinary approach to the creation of art products, involving professional artists and secondary school pupils, as well as experts representing other industries from Latvia and Norway in the process of co-creation. The project will also create an interdisciplinary experience of artworks in both physical and digital environments, ensuring quality accessibility of all newly created artworks both during the festival and on an interactive digital platform specially designed and adapted for the project.The project will include training for different target groups, an in-depth audience research lab, a hackathon for secondary school pupils and artists, a prototyping, building and testing workshop, accompanying educational programmes and the development of a digital platform. The project will culminate in a youth arts and education programme as part of the Valmiera Multimedia Festival and the launch of the digital platform.
Summary of project results
This project emerged from a critical observation: multimedia art, a vibrant genre in contemporary culture, often remains inaccessible to youth in regional areas. Traditional music and theatre dominate their exposure, leaving a vast creative landscape unexplored. Additionally, established artists, working within their own disciplines, often lack the technological expertise and collaborative networks necessary to create multimedia works. This disconnection leaves their work unseen by audiences increasingly consumed by online experiences.
Our project addressed these challenges head-on, fostering artistic growth and international collaboration between Latvian and Norwegian artists. We recognized the need for a platform to nurture young talent and empower established creators.
A Multifaceted Approach:
- Breaking Regional Barriers: By focusing on regional youth, (aged 15-18) the project brought multimedia art beyond major cultural hubs. This exposure ignited a passion for a new artistic language.
- Building Bridges, Not Walls: We recognized the siloed nature of artistic disciplines. The project fostered collaboration, equipping artists with technology skills and forging strong connections for future multidisciplinary projects.
- The Power of Partnership: International collaboration wasn''t just a goal, it was the foundation. Latvian and Norwegian artists exchanged expertise, sparking fresh ideas and enriching their creative practices.
Tangible Results:
- Five Diverse Multimedia Artworks: The project yielded a remarkable collection of multimedia pieces, showcasing a range of genres. From interactive light and sound installations to captivating multimedia collages and performances, these works pushed creative boundaries. The audience was fascinated and attraced by the diversity of the technologies and otrher means of artistic expression combined in each artwork.
- A Legacy for the Future: Sustainability was at the core of the project. A dedicated digital platform (https://www.vsmf.lv/edu/) ensures lasting accessibility. This online resource houses artist interviews, methodological materials for educators, and detailed representations of every artwork. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students, aspiring artists, and educators, showcasing the power of multimedia art, technological integration, and international collaboration.
A Collaborative Journey:
Achieving these impactful results required a meticulously crafted process:
- Understanding Our Audience: Initial exploration delved into the interests and media consumption habits of regional youth. This informed the thematic focus of the multimedia works.
- Workshops that Work: Interactive workshops brought together artists and target audiences, fostering co-creation and a deeper understanding of youth preferences.
- From Inspiration to Implementation: A multi-step process facilitated the collaborative creative journey for artists. The culmination arrived in August 2023. A week-long creative laboratory in Valmiera (Latvia) saw the teams work intensively, transforming ideas into reality. It was a very valuable experience for the young creatives to see their ideas coming true.
- Valmiera International Multimedia Festival: The festival from February 26th to March 3rd, 2024, served as the grand finale. Here, the artworks were presented under the Youth Arts and Education program, captivating local audiences and igniting their passion for this dynamic art form.
This project has been a catalyst for artistic growth, international collaboration, and audience engagement. By bridging the gap between regional youth, established artists, and innovative technologies, the project has left a lasting legacy on the multimedia art landscape in Latvia and Norway.
Summary of bilateral results
While the project involved both seasoned and emerging artists, many, particularly those from more traditional fields like music and visual arts, had limited experience with technology. This initiative provided a unique platform for knowledge sharing and experience exchange. For young artists, particularly those involved in the development of the artworks, this was their first foray into international collaboration and interdisciplinarity.Navigating cultural differences presented challenges, but these differences ultimately enriched the creative process. By stepping outside their comfort zones, artists were able to develop truly collaborative works that would not have been possible through individual efforts. Artists from more traditional fields gained invaluable insights into the world of technology, expanding their creative toolkit and enabling them to explore new artistic avenues.The impact of this collaboration extends beyond the project itself. Several artists have already initiated future joint projects, demonstrating the enduring nature of the connections forged.