Immersive Live

‘Vibro-acoustic’ vests for people with a hearing impairment
As part of its events programme, Esch2022 is committed to advancing new tools for local communities that will extend beyond 2022. Based on this premise, we have partnered with the counselling organisation HörgeschädigtenBeratung SmH to develop and implement a solution for people with hearing disabilities called Immersive Live®, which will be rolled out in the territory of Esch2022, and later across Luxembourg.

Immersive Live® is aimed at improving live experience and participation for people with all levels of hearing impairment, including deafness. Developed by the French company Timmpi, Immersive Live® is based on the SubPac® technology, ‘vibro-acoustic’ vests that translate amplified music into vibrations providing wearers with an improved experience during live concerts, sound experiences or dance performances. This tactile device allows for a soft approach without sound amplification, thus avoiding any source of stress for hearing aids.

Beyond making this solution available for the first time in the region, Esch2022 and HörgeschädigtenBeratung SmH have decided to:

1. Support the use of this solution in Luxembourg through the implementation of a management and organisational structure set up in collaboration with cultural leaders and users;
2. Promote awareness of the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences via concert halls and artists;
3. Actively involve deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences so that they are not just spectators but also participants.

Immersive Live® is a gateway to sustainable solutions for better access to culture for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. In 2021, first tests were carried out during live events, allowing us to implement Immersive Live® across various events as part of Esch2022.

It will premiere at the REMIX Opening on 26 February 2022, during which more than twenty spectators with hearing disabilities will be attending the ‘Future Frequencies’ concert at the Rockhal equipped with the Immersive Live® device. Furthermore, as part of the Night of Culture, a one-off concert will be held on 11 March 2022 at the Escher Kafé. More information about this event will be shared in the coming days, but if you are curious, do not hesitate to contact us to find out more and try out this new experience.

Contact: Matthieu Gillieron, Sustainable development coordinator
matthieu.gillieron@esch2022.lu