24 Hours in the Life of a Woman: an immersive, socially engaged exhibition in Bordeaux

The exhibition-performance "24 Hours in the Life of a Woman", organized by the Ars Anima company and presented from 1 October to 6 November 2022 at Cap Sciences in Bordeaux, captivated visitors with its scenographic, interactive and socially engaged approach.

An immersion in the diversity of women's stories

The exhibition plunges visitors into the lives of six women from different continents: Abi, Aouda, Shayda, Juanita, Vandana and Marie. Through their stories, each journey highlights the daily challenges they face and the choices they make to defend gender equality and improve women's lives in their respective regions.

Visitors are invited to follow the story of one of these women, guided by her voice through a staged route brought to life with lighting and animation. This interactive journey, lasting around an hour, blends sound, light and direct interactions with actors. It is not just about observing, but also about feeling, reflecting and sometimes even taking a stand on important societal issues.

An ambitious educational and social project

The central aim of the exhibition is to raise public awareness, especially among young people, of the persistent inequalities between women and men. The project is aimed particularly at audiences aged 9 to 18, using accessible yet profound stories to open dialogue on subjects such as:

• gender stereotypes;
• women's rights around the world;
• personal choices and their impact on society.

Thanks to the support of numerous institutions, such as the Agence française de développement (AFD) and the French Ministry for Gender Equality, the exhibition enjoys significant legitimacy and reach.

An interactive approach through scenography and human mediation

One of the key elements of this exhibition is the constant interaction between visitors and the actors present throughout the route. The actors embody characters or play roles that enrich the narrative experience, bringing the stories to life and stirring emotions. Each staged space is designed to fully immerse participants, with lighting and sound design perfectly synchronized with the narratives.

The contribution of the S-Guide: technology in the service of emotion

To strengthen the audio immersion, Sycomore supplied 140 S-Guide headsets for the exhibition. These devices allow visitors to alternate between the narrated stories and direct interactions with the actors, while remaining in perfect sync with the staged environment.

Interfaced with the show control system, the S-Guide delivers a smooth, immersive experience in which the narratives blend seamlessly into the transitions between spaces. Though discreet, this tool plays an essential role in showcasing the stories presented, allowing visitors to focus fully on the messages and emotions conveyed.

An exhibition that leaves a lasting impression

Alongside the exhibition, conferences, workshops, debates and performances were organized to explore the themes in greater depth, involving local and international associations. Among the partners involved, NGOs such as Care France, UNICEF and SOS Méditerranée contributed their expertise on issues related to gender equality and human rights.

"24 Hours in the Life of a Woman" is no ordinary exhibition: it is an experience that challenges, educates and inspires. By blending art, education and technology, it encourages visitors to reflect on their role in building a fairer, more equal society.