The Hand You Are Dealt.
Improvising the Archive : A collection of digital-toys celebrating 10+ years of research findings from the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation.
In late 2022, IICSI approached Studio Oleomingus, a partner on their new SSHRC grant “Improvising Futures,” about creating a videogame which showcases the last ten years of research findings from work at the International Institute of Critical Studies in Improvisation.
What emerges from the collaboration is a freeform collection of digital toys - that attempt to challenge the bureaucratic conventions of a complete and exhaustive database.
Hosted on your web browser, the game is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and it invites players to discover the intricacies of IICSI’s diverse array of researchers, partners, and community organizations, all while learning a little bit about the institute’s research and activities.
Composed of tiny interactive pieces that you can find some delight in repairing and tinkering with - each toy in the collection is a playing card that contains a variety of media, including audio tracks; documentaries; short films; photographs; recorded performances; artwork; and more; from different research and creative outputs generated by IICSI and their network over the past decade.
IICSI and Studio Oleomingus hope the game will lead to a wider conversation about improvisation in the exploration of digital archives and interactive art.
Credits :
Created in collaboration with International Institute of Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI)
Displayed at :
Improvising Communities: A Retrospective Exhibition : October 16–21, 2023 Massey Hall, University of Guelph.