Virtual wandering

The concepts is based upon to digital units:
1. Transmit
A box in the size of a workmen’s hut. The box is mobile, and can easily be mounted on the back of a lorry. The box is equipped with a camera filming the whole of the interior space. It has the devices to send the data captured by the camera, in real-time, to a satellite. The box also contains a screen that can show the data transmitted from unit 2 – the receiver (see below). This includes both sound and image.

2. Receive
This unit contains a video-projector that can show the content from unit 1, transmit. The unit is also equipped with a camera and microphone, and can send the signals to “Transmit”.

The units shall be traveling around to different locations where invited artists work in 24 hours in Transmit. Receive is traveling on an equal tour, and is rigged to mediate the broadcasts from Transmit. The content/form can be dance, performance, painting and so on.

Background
The project group carried out the project "fabrikkgata 5" in 2005. Through this project it has been established an exciting and groundbreaking body of people with focus on art and digital procreation in Vestfossen, Øvre Eiker. The project was very successful, and inspired to further work in this field. It also gave new ideas, and unveiled new needs. In this context we wish to grab hold of some of the challenges and in a new project reach a significantly larger audience, and form a project with distinct value for others.
Arena Vestfossen, is a member of Trans Europe Halles(TEH). This is European network consisting of 47 cultural centers in 25 countries. TEH will give us a unique chance to realize this project in Europe. Initial talks with the leadership of the network gives us a significant optimism, and we wish through a preliminary project to concretize cooperation with as many members of the network as possible.

Vision
We wish to carry through this unique art project to strengthens our European network. It is an aim that artists and producers are strengthened through this project.

The projects unique character
"Virtual wandering" is a project with focus on mediation. The vision of a digital society where closeness to the events no longer has any purpose, but experiences and cooperation can be mediated digitally, comes closer through this project. By digital tools, and broadband technology we will create a genuine cultural experience independent of time, space, physical presence and nearness within the boundaries between physical and virtual space.

Collaborative partners

Arena Vestfossen, established in 2004, is a centre for contemporary art. The centre consists of galleries, studios and a black-box theatre. It is an arena for many disciplines within the arts.
www.arenavestfossen.com
Trans Europe Halles is a network of independent cultural centers. The network was established in 1983, and has today a total of 47 centers in 25 countries. Trans Europe Halles is a platform for exchange, support and cooperation between the members. The network joins together a great diversity of independent multidisciplinary cultural centers. TEH wish to promote the understanding and cooperation between European cultural participants. TEH is a member of European forum of arts an heritage, EFAH. www.efah.org
For more information see www.teh.net

Ability to realize the project:
Arena Vestfossen is in possession of a significant knowhow within digital media, and is well prepared for carrying out this project. We have the technical tools, and are connected to the broadband network of the municipality of Øvre Eiker. Experiences from earlier projects, as well as a network of partners, signify that Arena Vestfossen is a natural organization for this project.

Organization and management
The work is led by Jon Mihle/Scenerommet in relation the guidelines from the board of Arena Vestfossen. It will be a continuous dialogue with the board of TEH according to the project as well.

Results
The most important results and effects of realizing the main project is:

• Through experimental and virtual artistic export Vestfossen increases it’s standing internationally.
• The connections between cultural groups and institutions are increased. An additional financial increase in the boundaries between cultural centers and artists are applied.
• New venues are made available for mediating art and culture.
• The project reaches a new audience with a unique arena for interactivity and participation.
• A standard for mediating art in direct translation to others is developed.
• Establish a strong network of institutions where the standard is set by the projects.
• Strengthening of a growing network of participants in the field of digital art.