Linkoping July 02, 2011

Dataton PICKUP audio guides play a key role at the Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Taking a different approach to art and the art of conversation, the Nordic Pavilion opens up for a borderless dialogue, an audio experience to match the physical art. Dataton PICKUP audio guides accompany visitors as they stroll through the Giardini, relating the conversations of artists from across the world.

The Venice Biennale is arguably the most significant contemporary art exhibition in Europe and takes place once every two years. At the 54th International Art Exhibition, the Nordic Pavilion features the Swedish artists Fia Backström and Andreas Eriksson.

Artist Fia Bäckström's work, "Borderless Bastards," is constructed from a series of conversations between the artist and a network of international cultural producers. The topics translate into public sculptures reproduced as metal cut-outs and illustrated with an audio tour played on PICKUP guides, handed out visitors to the pavilion. As visitors approach one of the statues, they activate a soundtrack. The PICKUP audio tour consists of a multi-voice narrative, creating a connection between the sculptures, the network of artists, images and the geographical space of the famous Venice Biennale. The soundtrack in the audio tour is an important component in Bäckström's work, and an essential – and enjoyable – part of the experience for visitors to the pavilion.

The PICKUP audio guide system is currently in use in museums, exhibitions, visitor centers and tours in five continents. PICKUP audio guides weigh just 45g, feature an elegant and robust aluminium exterior, and provide excellent audio from the self-contained loudspeaker or headphones. With its one-touch interface, iTunes-based tour production, and intelligent charger, PICKUP is easy to use for both the visitor and the museum.

- ENDS -

About Dataton

Renowned Swedish show control developer and manufacturer, Dataton has firmly established themselves on the international market since the 1980s. The company's flagship products include the award-winning Dataton WATCHOUT™ multi-display production and presentation system as well as the intuitive Dataton PICKUP™ audio guide. WATCHOUT version 5 is a multi-display, timeline-based software system that comprises stereoscopic playback and 3D effects, and a strong array of groundbreaking features, including enhanced live interaction.

Manufacturer Enquiries

Jacquie McHale Sjödin
Dataton AB
Telephone: + 46 13 102450
Fax: +46 13 138445
Email: jacquie@dataton.se

Fredrik Svahnberg
Dataton AB
Telephone: +46 70 3228557
Fax: +46 13 138445
Email: fredrik@dataton.se

Press Contact

Katinka Allender
PR Consultant
Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 571402
Mobile: +44 (0) 7887 711 246
katinka@k-communications.com