Embedded Files
The Innovation Studio has been popping up in the lobby of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center during NOI performances since the very beginning of the partnership. We find that engaging directly with audience members allows us to learn a lot about their interests, desires, and even radical ideas. But we've also found that when there’s a group of people (a.k.a. us!) asking you to do something a little outside of your comfort zone or expectations, it can be a little intimidating. We wondered what would happen if we made these audience engagements more “official” by carving out the Innovation Corner – a designated place in the lobby where audience members could expect to find the Studio team prototyping ideas, gathering feedback, or just talking about innovation at NOI+F.
Each week, we set up boards, tables, and prototypes – as well our new Ofie Mail station. Following the insight of a collaborator in guest experience, we invited audience members to engage as much or as little as they wanted, so nothing felt “forced” or “imposed.” To our delight, people came to expect us there, coming up each Saturday to see what we were up to this time, and sending their friends over to interact with us. We were expecting to learn a lot about audiences (and musicians) through this new set up – and we absolutely did – but we were surprised by how much they ended up learning about us as well! As people began to learn more about who the Studio is and what we’re working on, our network of friendly collaborators and allies who are interested in innovation in the orchestra grew!
Page updated
Report abuse