We are happy to share that TraciKwai’s Fisher Child VR Experience, one of the 75 projects funded by our Small Grants for Africa, an initiative generously supported by the Mellon Foundation, had its official launch on June 21st.

Project Fisher Child is a multidisciplinary storytelling experience that weaves together VR, AR, and QR technologies. Each element offers a unique narrative that intersects and overlaps with the others, creating a rich, immersive journey. Whether you are engaging on-site or from wherever you are, the stories remain accessible and impactful.

The launch event was a great success and was attended by 100 people who gathered at the small community hall in Kalk Bay.The guests came from both the local fishing community and the wider Cape Town area and queued in front of each of the two-by-two marked out squares, patiently waiting for their turn to experience the Virtual Reality, Living Museum of stories and images housed inside a 3D world; a repository of archival material including images, old photographs and the ancient sound of the Poedjies unique to the area.

A multi-sensory experience of sight and sound combined with the flavours and aromas of fresh indigenous food:  “viskop sop”, smoor snoek en gebakte brood (fish head soup, fish stew and freshly baked bread) topped with home made preserves and spicy tea.

Community members were brought to tears as they heard the voices of old friends and family members who were no longer there and young voices gave them a sense of hope and pride and belonging.

The VR experience made them feel as though they were immersed under the sea and created feelings of nostalgia and they were able to share those memories with us after.

Age was no barrier. This experience was enjoyed by five year olds and eighty five year olds alike.

The Augmented Reality Museum Jars were also a big success, with quite a few sold on the day. Participants were so engrossed in the experience that many needed gentle encouragement to exit!

All in all a very successful community event!

Experience some of the exhibits yourself here.