The curtain is about to go up on a spectacular venue which will play a lead role in this summer’s Cultural Olympiad.
The ICCI360 Arena, created by Plymouth University, will provide a dramatic setting for a range of interactive and multi-national events this summer in Weymouth, and is part of Maritime Mix – London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the Sea.
It will run for six weeks from July 26 and host film screenings, interactive gaming activities, live performances and workshops close to the venue for the Olympic sailing regatta.
Martin Woolner, Director of the ICCI (Innovation for Creative and Cultural Industries) at Plymouth University, said: “The ICCI360 Arena will provide an amazing setting for some truly awesome performances over the course of this summer. It is a unique opportunity to present and celebrate diverse creative and cultural activities. It has been a long time in the planning but we are confident local communities, Olympic followers and holiday makers will embrace the arena and keep coming back to see the huge range of events and entertainment taking place over the coming six weeks.”
One of the highlights of the ICCI360 Arena will be a ground-breaking interactive sailing game that follows a route around Weymouth Bay and is projected in stunning 360° graphics.
The game can be played by up to 10 people at a time with competitors controlling their boat around the route, navigating around various obstacles created by the audience. The audience are also split into ‘crews’ to support their sailor.
Mr Woolner said: “This game aims to provide competitors and audience alike with a completely new gaming experience. And given Weymouth’s sailing connections over the course of the Olympic Games, we are confident it will prove a huge hit.”
The ICCI360 Arena will be able to house audiences of up to 750 people and draws together a wealth of 360° images, video and animations from regional, national and international artists and film makers for presentation.
Some of the highlights include Dinosaurs Not Allowed, a performance by young musicians and dancers from across the region, and the B-Side Multi-Media Arts Festival, a challenging and inspiring programme of contemporary art.
There will also be a showing of Creating the Spectacle, an inspiring project which will see Susan Austin, a Plymouth University Fine Art student, being filmed as she performs underwater in a specially-adapted wheelchair.
As well as larger exhibitions and performances, confirmed events so far include a series of 360 children’s discos, 360 interactive family quiz evenings and taster zumba classes. The full list of events taking place can be viewed at www.plymouth.ac.uk/icci360.
