1 Introduction

Welcome to Cultural and Digital Tech Virtual Exhibit, a dynamic digital collection showcasing artistic practices from diverse cultures. This compilation is the result of student-led projects from EDST 2120U: Culture and Digital Technologies, a course taught by Dr. Anna Rodrigues during the Fall 2023 semester at Ontario Tech University. Through immersive virtual exhibits, this Open Educational Resource (OER) invites audiences to explore cultural artistry through interactive websites featuring photos, text, and videos that provide rich insights into various artistic traditions.

The exhibits presented in this collection span a wide range of cultural expressions, from traditional dances and musical compositions, to literary contributions and visual storytelling. Each project highlights the significance of cultural heritage in the digital age, making artistic traditions more accessible to a global audience. Below is an overview of the ten virtual exhibits included in this compilation:

• Adorable Resonance of Memories: The Final Symphony – This exhibit immerses viewers in the final concerts of the band Adorable, offering a curated collection of photos, videos, and interviews that explore their musical legacy and influence.

• Canadian Indigenous Music Showcase – This exhibit connects the Seven Fires Prophecy to the evolution of Indigenous music in Canada, showcasing how musicians incorporate themes of resilience, cultural revitalization, and Indigenous identity into their work.

• Cultural Exhibit: Musician Karl Forbes – Highlighting Karl Forbes’ fusion of Indigenous and English musical elements, this exhibit explores his embrace of the Anishinaabe language and its impact on contemporary music and cultural identity.

• The Importance of 2SLGBTQ+ Literature – Examining the significance of representation in literature, this exhibit delves into the cultural impact of queer author Richard Siken and the historical exclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ voices in mainstream storytelling.

• Ko’jua: Mi’kmaq “Dance of Vigour” – This exhibit brings attention to the traditional Mi’kmaq dance, Ko’jua, and its cultural importance to the Indigenous people of the Maritimes, aiming to enhance awareness and appreciation of this underrepresented art form.

• Life After Losing Your Soldier – Centered on the experiences of military widows, this exhibit provides a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the cultural significance of military widowhood through personal narratives and interviews.

• Men’s Traditional Dance – This exhibit highlights the Indigenous Men’s Traditional Dance in Canada, featuring insights from Jeremy Cote on the spiritual, ceremonial, and cultural importance of this vibrant art form.

• Northern Portugal Cultural Dancing: Exploring the Rhythms of Tradition – Delve into the world of Northern Portuguese folk dance through this exhibit, featuring historical context, cultural significance, and an interview with a traditional dancer.

• Quilted and Never Forgotten: A Virtual Exhibit – Explore the art of quilting in Canada, from Mennonite craftsmanship to quilts that encode historical narratives, celebrating this intricate and meaningful tradition.

• Truck Art: From the Heart – A vibrant tribute to Pakistani Truck Art, this exhibit showcases how this unique artistic tradition merges creativity and cultural identity, transforming everyday vehicles into mobile masterpieces.

By bringing these diverse artistic practices into a virtual space, Cultural and Digital Tech Virtual Exhibit serves as an educational and cultural bridge, fostering deeper engagement with artistic traditions from around the world. We invite you to explore, learn, and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultural expression that has been carefully curated in this collection.