Signals Exhibition 2024

SIGNALS EXHIBITION

2024 Signals Creative Tech Expo

At Signals 2024, art and technology converged to expand the boundaries of storytelling, creativity, and human experience.

In a time when creativity and technology were often seen in tension, 2024’s theme, Re-imagining Creativity with AI, aimed to spark conversations on how disruptive technologies could amplify human expression rather than replace it.

At the heart of this year’s expo are the questions: How can AI empower us as storytellers, makers, and dreamers? We invite visitors to ponder the ethical, emotional, and creative implications of AI, as well as its impact on film, gaming, and beyond.

This year’s lineup is especially significant, featuring a diverse range of creatives—from world-class video game developers to experimental film-makers and Indigenous artists who are using technology to revitalize and reimagine cultural narratives.

Additionally, many curated projects use relatively accessible tools to create profound immersive experiences. By focusing on practical yet innovative technologies, Signals fosters a platform where creators, regardless of scale, can leverage tech to tell transformative stories without needing the resources of large studios.

All of these works challenge us to think critically about the future of art and technology, while offering glimpses of what is possible when innovation is deeply intertwined with cultural wisdom and storytelling.

We look forward to sharing this immersive journey with you, and hope that Signals 2024 leaves you inspired, challenged, and connected to the evolving landscape of creative technology.

Sincerely,

Loretta Todd, Debi Wong, Loc Dao

Loretta Sarah Todd

IM4 Labs

Loretta Sarah Todd is a renowned filmmaker and the creative director of an Indigenous XR lab, IM4 Lab. Known for her innovative approach, she leverages her extensive experience in crafting narratives and exploring the intersection of technology and Indigenous cultural expression. Her first dramatic feature, Monkey Beach, based on the iconic novel by Eden Robinson, was screened at TIFF and has won over 25 awards including all 6 drama awards at the American Indian Film Festival (San Francisco). Ms. Todd also creates games, apps and children’s programming including Coyote Science, a series about Indigenous science and technology.

Debi Wong

re:Naissance

Debi Wong is an award-winning XR producer, creative director, and multidisciplinary artist. She is the Founding Artistic Director of re-Opera in Vancouver and co-executive producer of Signals Creative Technology Expo at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Her notable projects include The Dark (CIMA Bold Award Winner, SXSW XR Selection) and Live From The Underworld (Aurea XR Award). Recently, she performed at TED 2023 as the Solar Ambassador in K Allado McDowell’s AI opera. Wong was named one of the world’s 100 most influential experiential designers by XP Land’s XLIST.

Loc Dao

DigiBC

Loc Dao is the Executive Director of DigiBC – the Creative Technology Association of BC representing the video game, animation, VFX, XR/immersive sectors. Loc was the first Chief Digital Officer for the NFB and has advised the Government of Canada on digital policy, the Canada Media Fund on digital media strategies, and the Province of BC most recently leading the first sectoral talent and growth strategy for Creative Technology in BC. Previously, Loc co-founded digital studios at CBC and the National Film Board, pioneering interactive and immersive storytelling recognized globally.


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An inspiring afternoon of connection, curation, and celebration of Indigenous works in XR!

IM4 Lab proudly presented this rare opportunity to meet Co-Founder and Signals’ Co-Curator Loretta Todd, alongside incredible artists Michael Running Wolf and Caroline Old Coyote, Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Tracey Kim Bonneau, Kahentawaks Tiewishaw, and Raven John.

The 2024 Signals Exhibition was our annual showcase of innovative storytelling in video games, immersive, virtual and augmented reality, virtual production and AI from top Canadian and Indigenous artists.

During exhibition hours, audiences stepped inside immersive digital worlds, tested new video games, and connected to new artists and cultures by exploring the 20+ experiences at our newly transformed warehouse.

Visitors discovered their innovative works and learned about their journeys through talks and a roundtable discussion.

This all-ages event was free and open to everyone! Featuring complimentary tea and pemmican.