San Francisco, CA
Palladium
A site-specific performance inspired by the complex and evolving landscape of AI
In Palladium, Kinetech Arts invites the audience to curate their own experience. This new site-specific work transforms the ODC Annex into an immersive environment filled with interactive video installations, dance performances, digital time-warping bubbles, and live soundscapes—all inspired by the complex and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Through Palladium, we explore questions surrounding safety, deception, identity, culture, progress, and agency. The title Palladium references both a shiny, silvery-white metal used in jewelry and electronic devices, and the sacred statue of Athena from Greek mythology, said to protect and ensure prosperity for those who possessed it. We ask: Does AI safeguard and benefit everyone, or only those who control it? Kinetech Arts began experimenting with AI during its residency at ODC Theater in 2018. Our creative process is iterative, constantly evolving through weekly Open Lab sessions where dancers, scientists, technologists, and creatives gather to exchange knowledge and foster community through sustained practice. In Palladium, you are more than a spectator—you are an active participant. You choose your own path and immerse yourself in the shifting moments of this evolving world. We invite you to reflect on how AI is reshaping not only society but your sense of self. Join us in this playful, thought-provoking journey, where art becomes a space for questioning, discovery, and contemplation. Palladium is supported by the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation.
Audience Role
Kinetech Arts invites the audience to curate their own experience.
Ages: All ages
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Years on EI
About Kinetech Arts
Kinetech Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, brings together dancers, scientists, and digital artists to explore the dynamic intersection of movement, science, and technology. Our artistic journey delves deep into the ever-changing relationship between humans and technology, contemplating its profound impact on the human-machine ecosystem. Founded by scientist Weidong Yang and choreographer Daiane Lopes Da Silva, Kinetech Arts (KA) has evolved into a thriving community of interdisciplinary makers, capturing meaningful discoveries from unexpected sources. Over 10 full-length productions, both locally and abroad, have attracted diverse artists and collaborators, all eager to challenge their creative process through open performance and experimentation. Within the SF Bay Area, KA has performed at ODC Theatre, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, CounterPulse, David Ruth Glass Sculpture Studio, Moscone Center, Headlands Center for the Arts, Djerassi, De Young Museum, among others. In Europe, KA performed in Italy, Germany and Greece. In 2023, Daiane and Weidong talked about their research on Dance and AI at The DANC3 & T3CH seminar in Porto Alegre, Brazil. In 2024, they returned to the Dance Lab at NCCAkron. Kinetech Arts has been supported by various foundations such as Zellerbach Family Foundation, Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation, Rainin Foundation, CA$H Grants and Creative Work Funds. Our major residencies, include Lucas Artists Residency, 836M, Djerassi Resident Artists Program, Headlands Center for the Arts, ODC Theater (currently Home Company), among others. Our vision at KA is to unite the performing arts, science, and tech communities through immersive live performances and interdisciplinary collaborations. By seamlessly integrating technology like data physicalization, interactive installations, biometric devices, cymatics, and projection mapping, we observe how technology can become an intrinsic part of artistic expression, elevating storytelling and emotional impact beyond mere tools. This convergence of dance with emerging science and technologies empowers innovative ideas to emerge on a cutting-edge platform.