Artist’s perspectives and creative methods for online multi-sensory performances during and after COVID-19: a qualitative interview study

The realm of multi-sensory performances engages various senses and frequently promotes audience participation, aiming to foster immersive and inclusive arts-based experiences. The evolution of this field saw accelerated advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to explore the creative methods choreographers employ to overcome the challenges of creating multi-sensory experiences for online or remote audiences. In doing so, this study emphasises exploring the intricacies of artistic methods rather than evaluating the effectiveness of specific methods. Engaging six international artists in dance, theatre, visual arts, and music, the research employs reflexive thematic analysis and an interpretivist stance. Artists used pre-recorded audio, live calls, apps, and sensory boxes to engage audiences. Creative methods encompassed the utilisation of imagination, co-presence, and various objects to recreate sensory experiences. The advantages of online work include increased accessibility, but challenges include the lack of shared physical space, which can affect the mental well-being of artists and hinder collaboration during rehearsals. The study explores the complexities of creating online or remote multi-sensory experiences, providing practical guidance for artists navigating the evolving online artistic expression landscape. It contributes to the richness of practice research and enhances the broader discourse on immersive and participatory experiences.