Rachel Poilly Gueuvin, Marketing Manager of Bagatelle Mall, shares insights into the collaboration with the House of Digital Art (HoDA) for the Dome Experience, a first-of-its-kind digital art installation in Mauritius. Bagatelle Mall offers more than just retail to its visitors, and running from 11 July to 31 August 2024, the Dome Experience is an artistic journey that aligns perfectly with the mall’s goal of creating memorable experiences.

What motivated Bagatelle Mall to collaborate with HoDA for the Dome Experience, and why was this partnership the ideal choice?

Our collaboration with House of Digital Art (HoDA) for the Dome Experience was driven by a shared vision to bring something truly unique and innovative to our visitors. Bagatelle Mall is always looking for ways to enhance the shopping experience by offering more than just retail, and the Dome Experience is an immersive artistic journey that aligns perfectly with our goal of creating memorable experiences. HoDA’s expertise in digital art and their ability to transform spaces into multisensory environments made them the ideal partner for this initiative. Their reputation for creating captivating and accessible art experiences ensured that this partnership would resonate with our diverse audience.

What key insights or valuable lessons did you gain from organising such an event?

One of the key insights from organising the Dome Experience was the importance of meticulous planning and valued collaboration with HoDA’s team. Bringing such a complex and immersive event to life required aligning multiple stakeholders, from artists and technicians to the mall’s team and security personnel. The experience highlighted the value of clear communication and flexibility, as we had to adapt to various technical and logistical challenges. We also recognised the importance of nurturing relationships with renowned service providers like HoDA, as these partnerships not only enhance current projects, but also open doors to future opportunities and activities that can further elevate the experiences we offer our visitors.

What challenges did you encounter while coordinating this unique experience, and how did you overcome them?

Coordinating the Dome Experience came with its share of challenges, including managing the technical requirements of the installation and ensuring it seamlessly integrated into the mall environment. One of the primary challenges was aligning the schedules and needs of all involved parties to ensure a smooth setup and operation within a short period of time. We overcame these obstacles by fostering open communication channels and working closely with HoDA’s team to troubleshoot issues in real time. The latter were proactive, motivating and professional at every step, making it a real pleasure to work with them.

How do events like this contribute to community engagement and the promotion of artists?

Events like the Dome Experience play a crucial role in community engagement by offering an interactive and inclusive space where people can connect with art in a public setting. Through the partnership between HoDA and Bagatelle Mall, we have been able to get closer to customers in the centre of the island, creating a unique experience that is accessible to everyone. By hosting such happenings, Bagatelle Mall becomes a cultural hub, supporting local creativity and providing a platform for innovative expression that resonates with a broad audience.

Could you share any personal highlights or memorable moments from your involvement in hosting the Dome Experience?

One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing the reactions of visitors as they entered the Dome for the first time. Watching people of all ages, from children to grandparents, be completely captivated by the light and sound experience was incredibly rewarding. It was a moment that truly encapsulated the magic of what we were trying to achieve – a space where art and technology come together to create a universally engaging experience. Another highlight was working alongside the talented team from HoDA and witnessing the behind-the-scenes creativity and dedication that went into making the Dome Experience a reality.