Sneak peek inside this year's digiPlaySpace at TIFF

We look forward to digiPlaySpace each year with the kids in our families. This indoor hands-on digital playground designed with kids ages 3 to 13 years in mind brings creativity and curiousity to the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Now in its 7th year, the exploratory exhibition is filled with even more award-winning new media artists, designers, educators and coders from around the world. This year's theme, "Mixed Reality" explores how lines have blurred between the virtual world and real world empowering kids and families to have fun with the latest technology. 

This year's digiPlaySpace features 21 interactive installations with artists from 12 countries in large open spaces. Staff and volunteers are on site to help explain each exhibit if needed.

digiPlaySpace is located on the main level of the TIFF Bell Lightbox and is officially open to the public February 17 to April 22, 2018. Tickets and more info available at TIFF.net

Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:

Once you've arrived inside the lobby of the TIFF Bell Lightbox building, there are large mirror like screens at the entrance of digiPlaySpace. Walk up to the mirrors and see your image reflected in the style of classical artwork. The Style Transfer Mirrors system (created by Gene Kogan, Russia/USA)  works you into the styles of three famous artists and paints what it sees in real time. 

Here I am with Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director, TIFF playing around with the Style Transfer Mirrors.

Behind this wall is a bright and colourful space created for the younger kids. Sago Mini World, the Toronto-based developer of apps have created open ended play experiences on iPads. Check out the screens on the walls and move around in the Wilderness Wiggle. Play with the virtual polar bears under the northern lights (created by Chris O'Shea & Nexus Studios, UK/USA) to see what happens! Play hide & seek in minature worlds with Hidden Folks (created by Adriaan de Jongh, The Netherlands) and explore interactive spaces.

Dance with flARmingos (created by Kristin Lucas, USA) is a fun installation. As you step inside the red taped box, one of the project pink flamingos will begin mimicking your moves. 

The Mindfulness Machine (created by Seb Lee-Deslisle, Brighton) uses sensor and camera inputs to compute an emotional state, then draws a picture based on how it feels. Each image created is entirely unique and based on the surrounding environment. 

Connecting! Train Blocks (created by teamLab Kids Inc., Japan/USA) is an updated take on the classic wooden train set. Physical blocks can be moved around as you please on the table. The virtual train will come to life allowing players to build a transportation hub and alter the landscape. 

Kaleidoscope (created by Karina Smigla-Bobinski, Poland) has created these mesmerizing colourful tables that you could virtually squish and draw as you wish. Bright blues, brilliant reds, and sunshine yellows blend together in captivating ways.

A Tiny Technicolour World (created by Veronica Classen, Canada) puts you in the scene! Be a weather forecaster on television or a superhero in a movie. The green screen room gives hands-on experience to uncover the magic of cinema. 

Lots to see and do! This exhibition continues through March break and worth tieing into an afternoon at the TIFF Kids Film Festival!