Polar Produce are a multidisciplinary, mixed media arts, research and performance group based in Bristol, UK. The group's work explores the interface between virtual and real environments with particular emphasis on real-time, site-specific and locative experiences. The company's approach marries traditional and new conventions within the arts, performance, music and research with the possibilities and limitations of current and emerging technologies. Considering technology essentially as a tool and means to an end, the group creates participatory and playful works, which reflect on contemporary sociocultural issues and the implications of technological developments within our everyday lives.
HISTORY
Founded in 1996, in Glasgow, Scotland from the beginning the company focused on using and presenting technology in novel ways within live performance settings. Between 1996-1999 the group organised and developed several one off live theatre-club events, across Glasgow. Bringing together musicians, designers, live artists, DJs and VJs these events were carnivalesque in the style, drawing on DIY, hacker and street culture. From 2000-2004, the collective took a break and focused on individual interests, working in academia, applied research and design, live art, theatre and the music industry.
CURRENT
In 2005 Teresa Dillon, the core-founding member of Polar Produce, reestablished the group. Since then the company has been based in Bristol and include Teresa Dillon, Kathy Hinde, Philip O'Dwyer and Maarten de Laat. The group work across the arts, public, education, design, broadcasting and academic sectors and depending on the project needs work with other artists and collaborators.