The PLAYABLE project

PLAYABLE is an exhibition of digital artistic and experimental interactive devices and installations. "Play", in this context, means protocol and device, exercise and interpretation, distraction and work. When talking about playable, one designates a quality, rather than a type of object. One looks at how objects, genres, situations, attitudes, and events can be "made playable", through digital interactivity.

PLAYABLE is a series of exhibitions, workshops, round tables, paper and web publications conceived and organised jointly by several educational and artistic research institutions who focus on the creative implications of digital interactivity. The project aims at furthering both the contacts and the diversity that arise from such an association of units and laboratories.

The works, workshops, publications, PLAYABLE study days, are produced by young creators and researchers from the participating institutions who are committed to artistic, technological and aesthetic research.

The PLAYABLE series implies a certain continuity of projects and proposals, and both short and mid-term planning. However, given that their field is one of experimental creativity, and that the project aims at revealing new trends, it is subject to critical evaluations and constant readjustments.

The works supported and exhibited by PLAYABLE are produced within the various departments, and with outside help. However, they may be designed and planned in view of their participation in PLAYABLE. The projects are presented under their creator's signature, with a mention of the institutional unit to which he or she belongs. Certain proposals may result from collaborative efforts of several units.

Although creation and innovation are emphasized, certain pieces may take part in successive editions of PLAYABLE. Certain participants may also contribute to several successive editions with different projects.

The curators from the participating entities jointly select the works and establish PLAYABLE’s activity programs; It is a priority of the project that each curator should retain freedom of initiative. Whilst coherence between the editions is important, each exhibition’s program and publications betoken PLAYABLE’s project as well as each institution’s pedagogical and research projects.

All the works exhibited in PLAYABLE benefit from the same treatment. Each project needs to be able to benefit from an autonomous device.

All the exhibits, and the PLAYABLE exhibitions in general, are subject to commentary, explanation and discussion.

Because the series of PLAYABLE manifestations is resolutely international, the opportunity for exchanges is emphasized. As a matter of principel, all participants should be able to travel in order to participate actively in the event.