Created by dance and digital artist Lucie Lee Sykes and digital and sound artist Michael Dunn, this audio-visual interactive walking experience combines ‘movement memories’ of Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton residents with augmented reality (AR) immersive visual and audio experiences.

The walk brings to life 12 locations in Heckmondwike (Kirklees), famous for manufacturing blankets. The route explores historical areas around the town center and combines sections of Blanket Street, Market Street, High Street, Bath Road, and Northgate with quieter greener spaces of the town.

This ambitious, accessible and vibrant work, Floating Memories digital installation, promotes positive messages about health and well-being and connects with Heckmondwike Town in a creative way.

The floating virtual sculptures were created through workshop with three groups – LISAS chair-base exercise group, Fairfield School and West Yorkshire Drama Academy. Participants explored movement influenced by the theme of Relaxation (slower movement) to Progression (faster movements). These were tracked via Microsoft Kinect sensor (X-box 360) and transformed into a 3D tube expressive line in real-time. Their sculptures were recorded, sound composition to accompany with careful consideration of the physical space to create this Augmented Reality experience.

Funded by and commissioned by: Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Print Workshop (WYPW) #heartyourtown scheme