SXSW - Sharing Play Office with Austin, Texas

Earlier this year, I had the chance to speak at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, as part of British Underground’s Future Art and Culture program. The panel was called Embracing The Complex: Designing for Kinship and Compassion.

I was in great company, sharing the stage with:

• Camille Baker – interdisciplinary artist and researcher at the Royal College of Art, known for her work in mobile media, participatory performance, and biofeedback.

• Cameron Kostopoulos – immersive director and founder of Kost, Inc., pushing boundaries in XR narrative form.

• Sarah Ticho – founder of Hatsumi, blending mental health, VR, and embodied experience into innovative therapeutic storytelling.

  

As the Creative Director of Play Office and an artist who’s passionate about memory, sensory exploration, and technology, this opportunity felt incredibly meaningful on both a professional and personal level. Our studio's mission—to make technology more accessible and help artists create work that fosters empathy—fit naturally with the themes we explored in the panel.

We had some really thought-provoking conversations about how XR and sensory tech can help build more inclusive and emotionally resonant stories. It was inspiring to hear how other artists are pushing the limits of immersive media, and to share insights from our own projects—like Recollect, which turns personal memories and shared cultural history into interactive experiences.

Outside the panel, SXSW was a whirlwind of ideas, performances, and amazing people. The way tech, art, and culture all came together in Austin created the perfect space for new collaborations and inspiration. I left feeling recharged, full of ideas, and excited to bring that energy back to our work at Play Office.

Looking back on my time at SXSW, I'm reminded of how powerful storytelling and technology can be. They bring people together, spark empathy, and create shared experiences that stay with you. I’m excited to keep exploring those possibilities with the team at Play Office and to see where these conversations lead next.