This summer Houston First will welcome the world premiere of Weci | Koninut to Avenida Houston. The interactive installation is a world-class immersive opus that transforms public spaces into a territory filled with collective dreams and memories. Conceived by First Nations artists Julie-Christina Picher and Dave Jenniss, this interactive installation combining visual arts, Indigenous storytelling and sensory technologies will debut in Houston on Thursday June 26.
Created in collaboration with Quebec companies Creos and Init, both internationally renowned for their expertise in interactive installations, and Houston First, Weci | Koninut invites the public to experience a sensory immersion into the heart of the Atikamekw culture’s six seasons. Featuring larger-than-life dreamcatchers and an immersive sound and visual environment, the work transforms the city into a dreamlike forest, creating a living dialogue between ancestral territories, dreams and Native art.
"Making Weci | Koninut accessible and visible beyond our borders is a great source of pride for Creos. This unifying work epitomizes our commitment to making meaningful interactive installations travel the world, while transforming public spaces into environments that foster contemplation, dialogue and intercultural connections," says Alexandre Lemieux, Director of Business Development and co-founder of Creos.
A sensory journey guided by the Indigenous seasons
Conceived as an immersive outdoor experience, Weci | Koninut transports visitors into a universe inspired by Notcimik, a sacred territory of the Atikamekw people. Each of the six luminous structures evokes a season – from Pitcipipon (pre-winter) to Takwakin (autumn) – and is activated as the public walks by. The installation combines light, sound and symbols to offer a total immersion where nature and dreams converge. In this timeless bubble, the public is invited to slow down, feel, listen and dream.
"We are proud to assemble a diversity of talents – designers, painters, scenographers – around a profoundly collaborative project. This immersive installation embodies an alchemy of visual arts, original music and spatial design, creating an enveloping universe that transports visitors through the six seasons of Atikamekw culture," adds Virginie Simon, Production Director at Init.
Proud memories and identities on display for international audiences
Beyond its visually spectacular aspect, Weci | Koninut is a deeply committed artistic proposition. It celebrates Indigenous cultures by bringing to life the stories, wisdom and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Weci | Koninut raises essential questions about our relationship with the environment, our collective memory and our diverse identities. It serves as a forum for dialogue and reconnection, where art functions as a medium for transmission and healing.
Displayed in the heart of Avenida Houston’s public space, this nomadic work reflects a strong desire to promote contemporary Indigenous art on a global scale. On the eve of its international tour, it represents a movement firmly rooted in traditional territories, harkening a renewed era of open dialogue between cultures.
"Bringing Weci | Koninut to Houston underscores our efforts to make the city a global destination for culture and innovation. This unique installation offers our community an exciting immersion into the richness of Native traditions and celebrates the importance of art in building bridges between peoples," said Michael Heckman, president and CEO at Houston First Corporation.
About Creos
A world-leading agency of temporary interactive installations, Creos is a family-owned Québec company offering a vast portfolio of world-class interactive installations that transform public spaces into must-see destinations. Creos acts as an intermediary between owners, public art creators and presenters, taking installations on the road and raising their profile. Creos installations are renowned for enlivening and beautifying living environments, guaranteeing positive attention, creating a direct economic impact while fostering social ties within communities.
About Houston First Corporation
Houston First Corporation (HFC) is the destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston's most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city's vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city's collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfist.com
Photos Courtesy of Creos
