MacColl Studio for Electronic Music

Audio and video installations requiring audience movement and participation pose a unique set of problems. These works are realized through physical action within a responsive environment. Participants may become part of the work itself, as others outside of the sensing area view the spectacle of their interaction while seeing the results. Those inside the sensing area (if more than one person is allowed) share in a collaborative “performance, ” their social interactions contributing significantly to their experience of the work. What is the psychology of this participation? How can installation artists engage, prompt, and empower amateur “performers ” who have no prior knowledge or particular expertise? How does the computer program and content facilitate action and encourage response? This paper examines factors contributing to the audience experience, with special attention to non-digital concerns. Strategies to engage audience participation will be shown in several of the author’s interactive audio and video installations. 1