‘Immersive’ is the latest buzzword in culture, used to describe everything from gigantic installations to concerts and stage shows. But what does immersive really mean? How are art and performance being shaped by our increasing desire for ever bigger, more mesmerising and more engaging spectacles? This year at Sónar+D, we’ve brought together representatives from the emerging sector of immersive installations and performances for a special forum to address these questions, and more. 

Alessandra Denegri is the Managing Director at MONOM, the company behind the original 4DSOUND system, spearheading production and presentation of works using spatial sound. She’s been instrumental in expanding the use of this technology through new concepts and innovative partnerships with the likes of The New York Times, CTM Festival and UCLA.

Catherine Turp is Executive Director of Creation and Innovation at Moment Factory, the agency who’ve designed immersive environments, installations and performances for the likes of Disney, FIFA, the Las Vegas Sphere, 100 Gecs, and many more. She’s helped establish the company as a global leader in its field, fusing cutting-edge technology to captivating narratives with emotional connections.

Manuel Carmona Martínez is the engineering director of Saco Technologies España, the Spanish branch of the company who invented the LED screen in the 1980s. His work on the Madison Square Garden Sphere put the Zaragoza company in the international spotlight, and he’s also served as Lead Mechanical Designer on projects ranging from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood.

Margot Mottaz is the curator at Superblue, the Miami centre that’s helping bring experiential art to a wider public. Following on from roles at the Tate Modern and Lumen Art Projects, she’s focused on commissioning new interactive and immersive art, as well as accompanying artists as they develop special projects.