Expressions of Alamelu: A Cultural Narrative Enhanced with Technology

Abstract: Expressions of Alamelu, is an interactive multimedia performance introducing non-Indian audiences to Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance form. Through the use of generative AI imagery and multimedia elements, we aimed to create an engaging, curiosity-sparking experience that deepens appreciation for this traditional art form. The aim of this project was to develop a culturally informed performance that employed innovative storytelling techniques. Data collected through surveys and interviews indicated that audiences placed high value on sensory engagement, educational components, and clarity of narrative. However, the findings also highlighted a major barrier: many participants experienced difficulties in understanding the performance due to insufficient familiarity with its cultural context. Surveys and interviews conducted with cultural enthusiasts revealed a preference for sensory engagement, education, and storytelling, while identifying existing engagement obstacles, such as lack of context and understanding. Concerns regarding the overshadowing of technology were also noted. To address these challenges, several design solutions were integrated: • Projection Mapping: Utilizing projection mapping, we overlaid cultural information on various items typically found in Indian altars. Enabling audiences to gain insights into the symbolic significance of each item. • Narration and Visual Guides: Upon entry into the exhibition space, storytelling slides and narration guide pamphlets complemented the performance to ensure accessibility without diluting authenticity. • Generative AI: Leveraging the most recent advancements in machine learning, we developed an interactive image generation model that translates dancers’ movements into real-time visual representations of song lyrics. This approach provides a form of visual captioning that clarifies how the dancers’ motions symbolically illustrate the song’s content. Utilizing the British Design Council’s double diamond framework to define the problem, conduct user research, prototype solutions, and implement the final performance exhibition. The interdisciplinary team combined expertise in exhibition design, emerging digital technologies, and cultural heritage to create a human-centered, immersive exhibition experience that was open to the public. The project culminated in a one-day exhibition with three performances. With over 70 participants in attendance, the post-event survey revealed overwhelmingly positive responses: Sensory engagement and cultural understanding were highly rated, with many attendees praising the seamless blending of tradition and technology; Generative AI imagery was widely appreciated, especially for its ability to provide context while maintaining the integrity of the dance ; Suggestions included making the experience more immersive with additional visuals and interactive behind-the-scenes elements showcasing AI processes. Attendees described the event as unique, visually stunning, and culturally enriching. Key takeaways included the importance of balancing innovation with tradition and the potential of multimedia elements to make cultural performances accessible to broader audiences.This project demonstrates how technology can enhance cultural storytelling without overshadowing its essence, fostering a deeper appreciation of heritage among diverse audiences. It also highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and human-centered design in crafting memorable experiences.Sources: American Alliance of Museums. “Learning from the Double Diamond: How Divergent and Convergent Thinking Can Improve Collaboration and Problem-Solving in Museums.” American Alliance of Museums, 5 Apr. 2024, www.aam-us.org/2024/04/05/learning-from-the-double-diamond-how-divergent-and-convergent-thinking-can-improve-collaboration-and-problem-solving-in-museums/. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024, Dholia, Esha. “(Cultural) Identity Crisis: The Internet & The Indian Diaspora.” American University Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024, https://www.jsr.org/hs/index.php/path/article/view/2594. Accessed 15 May 2024, Derda, Izabela, and Zoi Popoli. “Developing Experiences: Creative Process behind the Design and Production of Immersive Exhibitions.” Museum Management and Curatorship, vol. 36, no. 4, 2021, pp. 384-402, Design Council. “The Double Diamond.” Design Council, www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/. Accessed 1 May 2024, Google AI Edge. “Mediapipe.” GitHub, 2023, https://github.com/google-ai-edge/mediapipe, Madsen, Kristina Maria, and Mia Falch Yates. Stability AI. “sd-turbo: Next-Generation Generative AI Model.” Hugging Face, 2023, https://huggingface.co/stabilityai/sd-turbo.cumulo-autumn. “StreamDiffusion.” GitHub, 2023, https://github.com/cumulo-autumn/StreamDiffusion.

Keywords: Experience Design, Generative AI imagery, Interactive, Exhibition Performance, Dance, Kuchipudi

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006407

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