Ikigai

The exhibition project Ikigai aims to explore and present the “meaning of life” through an interdisciplinary collaboration between performing arts and architecture. Ikigai, which is Japanese for “a reason to live,” forms the basis for a deeper investigation into what gives life meaning. Through two interactive works, developed and presented in public spaces, the project seeks to foster reflection while actively engaging the audience as co-creators of the works. The works will be created in close collaboration with local stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on audience participation and interaction.

The project represents an innovative approach within both performing arts and architecture by combining the two disciplines. The process and methods of performing arts meet the use of materials and spatial arrangements of architecture. By applying an agile design model, the artists will continuously adapt the works based on audience feedback. This creates a dynamic process where the works are created not just for the audience but with them. The artistic quality lies in the works’ ability to provoke reflection and engagement around the theme, as well as in the innovative experimentation with audience involvement.

Interactive Audience

The goal is to create works that are accessible and engaging to a broad audience, regardless of their prior experience with art. The project will have a particular focus on young people from Generation Z and millennials. They face decisions that will inevitably have a profound impact on their lives. What education should they pursue? Which city should they live in? Which partner should they choose? Should they choose a partner at all? Is not choosing also a choice?

Furthermore, the project involves inviting older citizens to participate in connection with the works’ presentations, so that young audience members can engage in dialogue with people who may soon be nearing the end of life. The younger generation will be encouraged to ask the older generation whether they succeeded in finding the meaning of life.

Interdisciplinary and Experimental Co-Production

The project is realized by the architecture group Rumgehør in co-production with the performing arts group Kaosteater, both of whom have extensive experience working interdisciplinarily and in public spaces. Both actors have previously worked with resource-conscious art production and are establishing themselves as leaders in the field. Local partners such as DOKK1 and Onsite Gallery at Arkitektskolen Aarhus contribute facilities and platforms for dissemination. Additionally, companies like Egetæpper will support with materials for the works, ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable approach.

Activities

Development Phases: Two separate interactive works are developed, each centered on the theme of the meaning of life and the specific location where the work is developed and installed. These works are created through a devising process in which the co-creating artists contribute their expertise in an exploratory process that merges methods and theory from architecture and performing arts. Since both works are developed in public spaces, the audience will have ongoing opportunities to engage directly with the creative team and become active participants in shaping the final works.

Presentation Phases: Each work will consist of an architectural and performing arts installation freely accessible in public spaces during the presentation phase. Performances of approximately one hour will be performed by an actor and a dancer three times for each installation.