An immersive experience engages visitors in new and creative ways. Rather than simply offering an art installation, an immersive art experience taps into the senses and evokes emotions while exhibiting works that educate and inform. Attendees step into large spaces that showcase art with light and sound accompaniment and interactive features, allowing them to view these works in a never-before-seen way.

Bring an interactive immersive experience to your community by creating an attraction featuring local artists. The key to a successful immersive art experience is creating a space that does more than just display the art. Instead of just using sight, consider incorporating other senses like touch and sound into the experience. When discussing important elements of an immersive experience, Robert Kelleman of Washington D.C. History and Culture explained that “one of the must-haves is providing something that people can’t get on their own.” He added that these experiences must deliver the art in a manner that can’t be replicated at home. Just like some films are better viewed in the theater than at home, some art can be better appreciated through an immersive experience.

Read on to learn more about key considerations when creating an immersive local art attraction, including what technology to use and how to promote your event with Eventbrite Boost.

Start with the right venue for your immersive attraction

Like other types of events, an immersive experience requires an appropriate venue. So, choosing a venue is the logical place to begin your event planning. When evaluating venues, consider these key factors, which will help narrow down your search for a space:

  • Venue size: What is the size and setup of your art installation? How many guests do you plan to move through the immersive experience at once? Make sure your venue is large enough for your event.
  • The experience: What will attendees do during the event? Will they observe the art in a new and creative way or engage more directly with it? Choose a space that can accommodate the vision for the experience.
  • Technology needs: What type of technology do you plan to use to engage guests’ senses? Ensure your venue can accommodate your technology needs.

Many venues can be adapted to work for a local art experience, so think creatively. If you’re searching for a large, open space, consider an unused warehouse or storefront. A school gym, library, hotel ballroom or conference room, or a theater are other large spaces that may be able to deliver the size, open space, and technology needs that your event requires. Ultimately, you want to choose a venue that works to create an engaging experience.

Secure tech, including lights and projection

Immersive experience technology is a must in order for your event to succeed. Understanding this technology is essential so that you select the right combination of lights, projection, and more to create the interactive immersive experience you desire. Event technology software, too, is important. Follow these tips for securing the right tech for your event.

Immersive tech basics

There are many different options for immersive technology. Here are a few you can consider for your event:

  • Augmented reality technology can enhance the user experience by superimposing digital information over the user’s view by using a device like a smartphone.
  • Virtual reality takes this technology one step further and obstructs the user’s view completely, instead placing the user in a virtual environment. Virtual reality headsets deliver this type of immersive experience.
  • Mixed reality technology blends the real world with a digital one. Using this technology, users can interact with both real-world and virtual technology simultaneously. Photo filters are an example of this type of technology. These filters take a real-world photo of the user but impose a virtual filter on their image.
  • Digital twins technology exists when there’s a virtual representation paired alongside the physical object. In an immersive art experience, this technology may be used to create virtual images of the physical pieces of art, creating an interesting juxtaposition for attendees.
  • 360-degree media can transform a traditional art show into an interactive experience. Users can use phones, tablets, or headsets to experience art in a 360-degree way using technology that can bring images and videos to life.
  • Projection mapping is another immersive technology to consider when planning an art experience. This technology uses a laser to project images throughout a room, including on the walls, ceiling, and floors. Paired with other audiovisual devices, such as vibrations or sound, this technology can create a sensory experience for users.

Lighting 

Lighting is another important element of your immersive experience. While project mapping and other immersive technology often add lighting to the space, other types of lighting may be used as well. LED lighting can enhance your event, so consider these options as you explore lighting styles:

  • OLED, or organic light-emitting diodes, create large area lighting panels ideal for larger spaces.
  • QLED, or quantum dots light-emitting diode, technology is commonly found in televisions and is known for clear picture displays.
  • Ambilight LED technology projects LED lights around a television or movie screen to create a more immersive experience.

Attendee interaction

Technology can also allow attendees to engage with your art installation. Audio enhances the experience, tapping into another sense during an immersive experience. Audio, including music or verbal prompts, can encourage users to engage with the art installation.

Likewise, other technology can be used to engage the senses during an interactive immersive experience. First, consider opportunities for multi-user interaction so guests can participate in the experience together. Adding vibrations or movement to the experience taps into the sense of touch.

Invite local artists

An immersive experience is nothing without art and artists. Once you have selected your venue and determined the appropriate technology, it’s time to find local artists to showcase at your event. Explore your options by visiting local art galleries or checking out artists whose work is exhibited in local cafes and shops.

There are multiple opportunities to showcase local art. Consider reaching out to a nearby elementary school to feature a budding young artist. Host a culturally diverse art show featuring works from artists from different cultures. Look for art that draws attention to local landscapes and landmarks, and promote the experience around your community’s founding holidays.

Regardless of the virtual experience you choose, remember this advice for event creators from Kelleman: “[You] should first determine why would people be interested in the immersive attraction: to learn something, to meet people, to advance their career, to entertain their kids, to have fun, etc. and align the experience to that. Then everything will flow from there.”

Find the event tech you need

When it comes to technology, don’t stop at immersive displays — offer contactless ticketing and use Eventbrite Boost to streamline your event marketing. Get a taste of the future of events planning with automated social media marketing campaigns, email campaigns, and data tracking and analytics. These tools ensure that your community knows all about the amazing events you’re hosting and build excitement around your immersive experiences.