The Cross-Border Immersive Garden is a project co-organized by GIFF and La Chapelle – Espace d’art contemporain, a recipient of the Cultural Fund of Grand Genève 2026–2027. Four events will take place in two Swiss municipalities and two French municipalities between September 2026 and December 2027, in everyday settings and with a focus on accessibility for the public. Presented for the first time in Thonon-les-Bains as part of European Heritage Days, the GIFF XR Roadshow will take over the Grangette recreation district to welcome school groups and local residents.

By experiencing the immersive and interactive work Future Botanica, audiences of different generations and from diverse backgrounds will actively co-create the plants of an imperfect future, blending science fiction with environmental questions, shared without borders. This is an opportunity to explore current issues while discovering contemporary digital art.

FUTURE BOTANICA | POLYMORF, MARCEL VAN BRAKEL, HAZAL ERTÜRKAN | NL | 2024 | AR | EN, FR

Duration : 15-30 minutes
Technology : immersive experience
Interaction : yes
Viewing position : standing
Minimum age : suitable for all ages
Language : English, French

Anyone who has ever taken an interest in botany is aware that plants are capable of extraordinary inventiveness when it comes to surviving, thriving, and reproducing in climates that seem hostile to us. As we worry about the consequences of our destructive lifestyles on ecosystems, what can we learn from this wonderful resilience? 

Future Botanica invites you to imagine combinations of futuristic plants and see them evolve in our altered climates in order to re-enchant our reality and learn through your imagination. Using augmented reality and artificial intelligence, what fears, ideas, and beauty will emerge from your creations?