Partner Spotlight: Creating Space for Connection
In a world of constant digital distraction, immersive art experiences offer something rare: the chance to be fully present. But even in carefully crafted spaces designed to transport us, the pull of our phones can break the spell. That's why we're excited to announce our partnership with The Why Collective for their immersive experience, MIXT: A Living Gallery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PHONE-FREE SPACES
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PHONE-FREE SPACES •
The Why Collective Announces Partnership with Yondr
Making immersive experiences even more distraction-free
The Why Collective has made its mark on New York City with its annual immersive experience, MIXT: A Living Gallery, and this season, has begun offering monthly mini salons using the same structure in a more intimate setting. In an effort to make these events even more connective, the organization has partnered with YONDR to encourage phone-free spaces.
MIXT: A Living Gallery was born during The Why Collective’s residency at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell theatre in 2023, and was described as “sensory overload, but in a good way.” This season, YONDR is helping both artists and audiences enter the space with fewer sensory distractions.
Upon entry, guests will receive a YONDR pouch to secure their phone for the duration of their gallery visit. Guests will maintain possession of their phones at all times, but must exit the gallery and visit an unlocking station in order to access and use them. In addition to the pouch, The Why Collective will offer analog replacements to activities often accessed on one’s phone. Items such as hand-bound journals, pre-stamped postcards, and other ways to fill idle time.
Photo by Erin Lamar
The official partnership launch event is November 21st, 7:30pm in Norman S. Benzaquen Hall at The Dimenna Center for Classical Music, 450 W 37th St, New York, NY.
Driven by themes of psychological loneliness and waiting, The Why Collective transforms an empty space into a multi-sensory playground of LIVE music, dance, poetry, sound art, and visual installations. Through a sea of human sculptures, complex soundscapes, and interactive exhibits, audiences will encounter mythic heroines like Penelope and Persephone, the realities of chronic and invisible illness, and the isolating effect of being lost in translation.
“As soon as you cross the threshold of the gallery, you become a part of the living, breathing exhibit,” says MIXT Director and Why Collective Founder, Sydney Anderson. “We are so thrilled to have support from YONDR, whose easy-to-use pouches encourage guests to be truly present in the space, and engage with artwork that may challenge them to process complex feelings without dissociating into their phones.”
About The Why Collective
The Why Collective was established in 2021 by creative director Sydney Anderson as a rotating roster of artists and thinkers dedicated to a roundtable style of artistic inception and creation. Collective artists are invited to work together without the traditional hierarchy of leadership roles. It is the collective’s mission to create nuanced and layered works of interdisciplinary theatre that encourage artists and audiences to seek deeper truths together through the art of questioning.
Learn how Yondr supports phone-free spaces or reach out to team@overyondr.com to discuss implementing a phone-free program in your space.