interplay_’s been many things over the years.
Supported by the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre since 2012, interplay_ began as a multidisciplinary group show held in Moberly’s fieldhouse theatre. The Contingency Plan (Vanessa Goodman + Jane Osborne) were the first producers, passing it on to me, DP in 2016.
Over the next four years, interplay_ presented twenty artists/groups whose work pushed the bounds of form and interdisciplinary collaboration. Performers mic’d in from outside the building, rubbed themselves in soil and shared their exuberance in making a bank transfer.
Along with some plucky technicians, I hosted, schlepped, got up on ladders and called the show from 5 feet away. Many people warmed the intimate Moberly space, as well as spilled over into the park for drinks under the stars.
In 2021, interplay_ moved online.
We swiftly filled a dire need for liveness, connection-from-a-distance and performance opportunities amidst pandemic shutdowns. What we found online was not just a stand-in for what we lost during the pandemic, but an emergent and wondrous space that we continue to nurture today.
Through innovative partnerships and malleable artist support, interplay_’s budget grew from $2,000 to $14,000. We went from offering artists a box office split to paying $2,000 to each artist in 2024. We’ve also engaged co-curators khattieQ and Sammy Chien, and co-producer Victor Tran.
By focussing on live virtual content, interplay_ values spontaneity, vulnerability and innovation. We invite artists to experiment, take risks + respond to the ever-changing moment. Today, we're one of the only festivals in the world dedicated to live online performance!
We're grateful to the Moberly and Vancouver Park Board for their continued support as we moved beyond their venue. We thank Co.ERASGA, plastic orchid factory and aka collective for helping us access funds from the City of Vancouver and BC Arts Council.
In 2025, interplay_ will transform yet again.
With the recent appointment of both myself + Victor as new Co-Directors of the Vancouver International Dance Festival, leadership of interplay_ will pass to Caroline MacCaull.
An interdisciplinary, dance-technology artist, Caroline is uniquely equipped to build upon interplay_’s rich history while pushing it forward with new technological innovations. Audiences may remember Caroline’s work with Jasmine Liaw as a highlight of interplay_2023.
Caroline’s expertise in new media interactive technology, combined with their deep commitment to interdisciplinary art and live performance, will ensure interplay_ remains a vital space for experimentation and collaboration.
Despite dwindling funding, including not being eligible for most digital funds (as these don’t seem to be for funding digital art!?), interplay_'s on a stable footing. We can’t wait to see how the festival will grow and transform under Caroline’s leadership.
