NEWS RELEASE
SENECA COLLEGE
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TORONTO – On May 17, the work of hundreds of graduates from 13 School of Creative Arts and Animation programs at Seneca will be celebrated in an extraordinary and interactive online experience.
Seneca Coalesce — an annual graduate showcase — has attracted audiences of over 700 in recent years. After cancelling in 2020 due to COVID-19, Coalesce has been transformed into a virtual experience with a fitting theme, ‘Metamorphosis: A New Light’.
The four-hour event combines broadcasts from two physical and two virtual locations, taking a unique approach to feature work produced by graduates in interactive media, illustration, music, photography, graphic design, art fundamentals, acting, documentary filmmaking, animation, gaming and visual effects. Guests can expect to see students’ sense of hope for opportunity and life emerging from the pandemic in this year’s work.
“Every event has a story to tell. Creating a memorable experience can be easier with an in-person format. But, pivoting to virtual events is part of the new normal,” said Irish Ann Pinpin, Lead Producer of a team of 10 recent Event & Media Production graduates.
With some team members studying from abroad, the group has adapted to differing time zones for their virtual planning sessions, collaborating on an entertaining and interactive event in an online platform.
“As a team, our goal is to offer the same memorable experience that Coalesce is known for. We carefully considered event elements that can be brought into the new digital format, like entertainment and networking components,” said Irish Ann.
Entertainment will include performances broadcasted from Seneca’s music students at the newly renovated stages of Toronto’s El Mocambo. Along with dynamic projection mapping by AVA Animation and Visual Arts Inc (AVA) at Seneca’s CITE building at Newnham Campus.
“Attendees can expect to see themes of isolation, transformation and metamorphosis connected in the projections with graduate designs. It will be very impressive to see their work on such a large scale at CITE,” said Emma Lopez, Creative Director at AVA.
Emma and her husband founded AVA after graduating from Seneca over a decade ago. “We had an incredible experience as students in 2007 and again in 2018. As #SenecaProud alumni, we are excited to be part of the first virtual Coalesce, highlighting student work created during the pandemic.”
AVA relied heavily on festivals and concerts, transforming products and events into extraordinary visual experiences. In pivoting their business, they are happy to help others showcase their work in a safe way.
Irish Ann and her team have learned the value in adapting too. “Working on Coalesce has been a unique opportunity and exciting experience. It has had its challenges, but has also helped us to acquire a new, industry-relevant skillset in working remotely with virtual events.”
Coalesce will be held from 7 - 11 p.m. on May 17. Don’t miss this free virtual event with interactive lounge spaces, up-and-coming student work, a variety of films and live music. Click here for tickets.
Seneca Coalesce 2021 is a postsecondary academic activity that adheres to COVID-19 safety precautions established by government and local public health authorities. Academic activities include the completion of field placements, final performances and portfolio requirements.
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