The inaugural presentation of “Beyond the Picket Lines” took place in Bridgend County, at Blaengarw Miners Hall, Maesteg Library, and Pyle Library.
Each venue presented unique spatial challenges, from the historic miners hall to a cozy (slightly cramped) library and a modern and expansive library. We were very pleased the exhibition seamlessly integrated into each setting despite their differences.
Our aim is to bring the exhibition to communities, particularly those not accustomed to multi-media digital exhibitions.
The exhibition features large printed pop-up banners, an original soundscape of Welsh miners’ recordings, Wales’ first interactive virtual reality (VR) coal mine, and an immersive audio-visual installation of 3D portraits and accompanying voices from the ’84/’85 strike.
The exhibition offers a diverse multimedia experience for attendees of all ages.
We were delighted by the level of engagement across all elements of the exhibition. While the printed materials were easily accessible, it was particularly gratifying to see significant interest in the audio-visual and virtual reality components.
The audio-visual installation, showcasing 3D portraits and accompanying voices collected between 2017 and 2024, is crafted to provide a comprehensive narrative of the strike from a variety of perspectives and Welsh view points.
Having invested years in collecting the recordings and 3D portraits and several weeks editing, we were touched by the emotional impact the digital installation had on several attendees. Whether a cinema screen projection or a digital display there was palpable and deep engagement. Several attendees said that the audio-visual display was a crytallisation of their experiences. That alone made the hard work worthwhile.
We were also surprised by the enthusiasm, especially of the elderly participants, in trying the virtual reality (VR) mining experience. Since the exhibition happened during “school” (at 2 x venues) most attended were over 50 years old. In fact 70% of the 50 people who experienced the VR were over 50 years old and 18 % were over 70 years old! Fantastic!
The positive response has led us to reconsider our offer regarding target audience for VR; when presented in the appropriate context, VR “gaming” experiences can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about this exhibition opportunity:
This is what some visitors wrote about the exhibition:
“Such a powerful presentation, to hear the spoken message along with amazing 3D images gives such a powerful lesson in history.” (P.J – at Blaengarw Miners Hall)
“The virtual reality was amazing.” (L.C. – Maesteg Library)
“The virtual reality was amazing. Very realiatic about the mine, without the dust and dirt.” (J.G. Pyle Library)
“Excellent. Especially the audio and visuals. Grandson of a miner who worked in The Ocean.” (M.D. at Blaengarw Miners Hall)
“Excellent presentation. 3D images, recordings. Top class.” (S.J at Maesteg Library)
“Excellent visual and audio experience. Fascinating to be “In the moment”. Thank you.” (J.H at Maesteg Library)
“A very interesting exhibition. Brought back a lot of sad memories.” (K.O Pyle Library)
“Great exhibition. Love the photos. Such power! Important to remember.” (S.G. Pyle Library)
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Please get in touch if you would like to know more about this exhibition opportunity:
info@visionfountain.com
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