Cultural and creative sectors (CCIs) were heavily hit by the Covid-19 crisis. Across the EU cinemas, theatres and cultural venues were the first to be shut down by governmental measures. To provide continuity to their activity, many went online with digital versions of their offers. Live stream of concerts and plays were the most common option; Venice Cinema Biennale’s VR room provided an immersive experience to its viewers; museums offered 360° online visits to their digitalized contents; libraries opened their digital archives. However, a large population band is at risk of being left out of the digital opportunity. Senior citizens aged 65+ are generally slower in transitioning to digital tools and options.

 

But cultural engagement is important. Attending theater performances affords older adults the experiences of social engagement, belonging, which lead to better psychological and social wellbeing.

 

DISCoVeR Theatre aims to provide adult professionals in CCIs with innovative and creative tools to engage a wider public in their activities, targeting the 65+ population band which is at risk of being or feeling excluded.

Objectives

  • activate local and transnational networks to boost transectoral cooperation,
  • train CCIs professionals and operators on audience development, outreach and engagement strategies for seniors in the wake of Covid-19,
  • design an innovative methodology aimed at performative and expressive arts practitioners for engagement and community-building through arts, combining Participatory Theatre and use of Virtual Reality (VR),
  • creation of a transnational Network and Web platform (IO1) for CCIs, senior services, public bodies,
  • creation of a Senior Outreach and e-Engagement Training Format (IO2) to train adult professionals in CCIs and creative VR on engaging senior public in the era of Covid-19, tested during a Joint Staff mobility (C1),
  • creation of a Participatory VR Theatre Script and Handbook as an innovative methodology for participatory engagement and community-building through Theatre and Technology (IO3), tested during Local Activities with senior citizens.

Results

  • Network and Platform created for long-term sustainability,
  • enhanced CCIs’ outreach and engagement capacities through innovative and creative practices,
  • innovative methodology for developing participatory theatrical performances using VR,
  • 7 innovative Participatory VR Theatre performances,
  • creative aging mindset in seniors through involvement in theatrical creation activity,
  • enhanced social inclusion and participation in seniors through co-creation activity.

MORE INFO ABOUT THE PLATFORM

DISCoVeR Theatre Network is a transnational network of organisations in the field of CCIs, cultural and arts organisations, VR tech companies, senior services institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders committed to cooperating to make the digital space more inclusive for seniors. The Network will prompt, facilitate, and support the creation of local and regional networks including local theatres, local volunteer organisations, local public authorities, and local radios and TV Channels, and other local stakeholders to ensure a meaningful impact of the project on the small (local) scale.

Participatory Theatre refers to a collective, usually community-based, creation of theatrical performance: actors and non-actors come together to co-create a theatrical play. Usually, professionals provide the backbone structure of the script and leave the rest to the participants’ initiative and creativity. When performed in front of the public, the play might keep an “interactive” character, encouraging spectators to get involved or maintain the traditional fourth wall.