University helps British Art Show 7 'moove' on

Plymouth University’s digital expertise has been drawn upon for a ‘mooving’ farewell as the UK’s biggest contemporary arts event draws to a close in the city.

i-DAT (The Institute for digital technology) is part of a collaboration of partners from across the city who have organised a spectacular finale for the British Art Show 7 in Plymouth, which includes an interactive game culminating in a farewell party.

Focusing on the history of one of the five venues to host the show - the former abattoir at the Slaughterhouse, Royal William Yard - the game has been appropriately named ‘Cows Come Home’.

The idea is to grow your own personal herd of cows by visiting the British Art Show venues across the city and bring them back to the Slaughter for the final party.

Not expecting anyone to walk in with a herd of cows, participants who have registered online will be sent a personal invite to the game and the party which they can scan and collect their virtual cows from the Peninsula Arts Gallery, Plymouth University, Plymouth Arts Centre, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth College of Art Gallery and the Slaughterhouse at Royal William Yard.

Mutant Labs ‘game developers and digital wizards’, based in the University’s Formation Zone, have also been vital in bringing forward their knowledge for the game with their playful and creative flair.

Birgitte Aga, acting Managing Director for i-DAT said: “Cows Come Home is an exciting, inclusive and playful initiative which invites participants to celebrate the close of the prestigious British Art Show as well as to rejoice for Plymouth’s future cultural offering. The project has allowed partners across the city to build new relationships and push the boundaries of technology in new and dynamic ways.”

The competition opens on 25 November and closes with guests being invited to a constellation of sights, sounds and smells employed to evoke the juxtaposition between a gallery and an abattoir at the Slaughterhouse from 6pm on 3 December.

The event is free but registration is required. Visit www.cowscomehome.co.uk to register your attendance.

ENDS