WAG – Qaumajuq Inaugural: Projections
The Project
In March 2021, the Winnipeg Art Gallery opened Qaumajuq, its new centre for Inuit art. “Michael Maltzan Architecture‘s challenge was to increase public access to the WAG’s celebrated collection of contemporary Inuit art, while respecting the context and character of the Gallery’s iconic 1971 modernist building.” The results were stunning – the team created a state-of-the-art facility equipped to showcase the WAG’s 80+ year old collection of inuit art, photography, and film.
When the WAG kicked off its Qaumajuq365 inaugural year celebrations in early 2021, Pattern was called upon to join the team tasked with displaying the audio & video projection show on the WAG and Qaumajuq buildings that would feature animated northern lights, and imagery of contemporary Inuit art, film, and photography. Pattern led the technical execution for both the audio and video of the large-scale projections.
The Challenge
We love technical puzzles, and this required an inventive solution for a unique set of circumstances and constraints. First up was the projector location: the placement and distance of the light source from the projection surface is critical to ensuring a clear, vibrant image. Secondly, the accompanying audio needs to be at immersive, stadium-level volumes. And finally, every jurisdiction has a different set of policies and regulations governing large-scale projections, and so the team worked closely with officials at the City of Winnipeg to ensure compliance.
The Solution & Build
The most suitable location for the projector turned out to be the apartment building across the street, so Pattern collaborated with apartment managers and tenants to find the perfect spot in the building. The audio system was deployed wirelessly throughout the outdoor space, with the help of long-range transmitters, and weather resistant speakers. And it was all held together using a custom-built mobile projection unit, with battery powered projection in the case of power loss. It was a truly bespoke, purpose-built solution in all areas that ensured a fantastic show of ideas and art.
Outcomes & Results
“…the two-part virtual opening [was] viewed over 52,000 times and counting on the WAG’s direct channels, with media broadcasting partners streaming widely locally and nationally…
The opening week of Qaumajuq at the end of March 2021 …was fully booked at 25% capacity with close to 6,000 visitors.”
