about

Who are we?

interactive arts (i.a.) is a group of artists collaborating to create art outside of the usual perceptions of what art “should” be.  Our approach to art sets us apart; it is our belief that art should not only be enjoyed but also touched and interacted with.  This philosophy started at an early age for most of us; and at least one of us has been kicked out of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art for wading in the reflecting pool.

i.a. was founded in support of interactive art created in a collaborative environment.  Each art piece has a concept artist(s) who is responsible for the initial creative idea and overall vision of the art piece; from there each art piece evolves, is improved, and becomes a reality by incorporating additional artists as part of a portfolio team.

The artistic pieces within our portfolio can be small, quiet and delicate or large and all-encompassing. All include some form of interactivity: be it simple or mechanical, or the latest in technological advances.  Our art can be found within other groups, where we provide pieces to complete an artistic vision. We also create and display a.i. art in collaboration with other art, technology or public organizations. Feel free to browse our collaborators page and visit any links you find of interest.

Nurturing CREATIVITY is the Key

a.i. likes to think of creativity as the production of something original and useful, all the while knowing there is never one “right answer”. To be creative requires divergent thinking – generating many unique ideas, followed by convergent thinking – a combining of those ideas into the best result.

interactive arts not only includes full-time professional artists, but those who work in other industries and still find time to create and collaborate on large interactive installations.  Our common thread is that all a.i. artistic team members have “unusual perspectives” and “abilities to synthesize diverse elements into something meaningful.”

Our Goals

• To provide opportunities to test perceptions of art:  for instance, in engaging with our pieces, participants become the artists
  
• To encourage collaborative and community art; both with professional artists and with those who have the capacity for creativity
• To “shake it up” and question “how it should be done”
• To collaborate and help other artists and communities with their creative endeavors

Awards & Grants

• Burning Man Arts Grant Committee 2010 Honorarium Project: The Heart Machine (link)
• BurnT (Toronto Regional) 2010 Art Grant Gift: The Heart Machine
• Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2010 People’s Choice Award for Independent Projects: Flux & Fire (link)
• Black Rock Arts Foundation Civic Arts Projects for 2011: The Heart Machine exhibition at Toronto’s Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2011 (link)

Exhibitions & Commissioned Work

• Toronto Regional Decompression (TComp) 2008: Tunnel of Lights
• Toronto Regional Decompression (TComp) 2009: The Chrysalis
• Burning Man 2010 Honorarium Project: The Heart Machine  (i.a. link /  exhibition link)
• Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2010 Independent Project: Flux & Fire (link)
• Ottawa Winterlude 2011 Museum of Civilization Site: Flux & Fire (i.a. link /  exhibition link)
• Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2011: The Heart Machine (remounted as an exhibition) (i.a. link /  exhibition link)

Supporting Exhibition Work

• Temple Passage – Toronto Regional Decompression 2009 (interactive fiber optic lighting) (i.a. link /  Site3 link / exhibition link)
• Super Street Fire – Firefly 2011 (underlying flame effects and fuel system)
• Super Street Fire – Detroit Maker Fair 2011 (underlying flame effects and fuel system) (i.a. link /  Site3 link / exhibition link)