Artist Michel Lemieux's two latest art projects, 4D ART SPACE - a virtual art gallery, and Vulnerable - an interactive public art experience, are the result of a recent partnership between Canada's largest game studio, Behaviour Interactive, and 4D ART. The 4D ART Space and Vulnerable projects aim to forge links between the video game and multidisciplinary arts industries, and between neighboring Montreal organizations.

4D ART Space is a brand new virtual art gallery for 4D ART projects which helps them in aligning its avant-garde digital vision with sustainable development. In fact, the evolving project, which can be experienced with a virtual reality headset, will grow as new immersive works are added and virtual links are created between this space and other works by local and international artists as well as other virtual venues.

The first version of 4D ART Space had its world-premiere launch last September as part of the Digital Pioneers exhibition organized by the PHI Centre to mark the 60th anniversary of the Montreal Place des Arts (PDA), and can be experienced free of charge until December 30 in the PDA showroom.

Vulnerable is an enjoyable and stirring location-based experience (LBE) exploring topics such as otherness, intimidation and benevolence. The experience reminds us of the effects of our actions and words on others, and aims to raise awareness on the subject. The work uses motion detection via camera to enable users to interact with virtual avatars. An overview of the project's premise was presented by artist Michel Lemieux at the "Accessibility & Diversity: Reimagining the cultural landscape" conference last October, as part of the HUB Montréal 2023 event.

As Marian Tremblay, General Manager and Producer of 4D ART, says, "it's a privilege to work with Behaviour, a major video game company, which recognizes local artists and talent and has decided to make its resources available to enable artist Michel Lemieux to develop the artistic projects he has in mind. Our two companies' commitment to artistic quality and passion for innovation are at the heart of this partnership, and have made this experience so natural."

"Through a collaboration like this, Behaviour gives back to the community as much as it benefits from it. We're proud to partner with a company like 4D ART, always an innovator and pioneer in the digital industry, in a research and development project to expose our video game teams and technologies to other perspectives and push them towards new horizons. This project allows us to step out of our comfort zone and develop our expertise in virtual reality and interactive experiences," says Dominique Lebel, Senior Vice-President, Business Solutions at Behaviour Interactive.