November 2025
CreaTech installation to be unveiled at Beyond Conference after cross-Salford initiative
We are delighted to announce that the interactive installation Best Before Memory has been commissioned from the multi-partnered CreaTech Artist CoLab initiative.
The project, devised by CreaTech artist Isabella So, will be premiered at Day 00 of the 2025 BEYOND Conference at MediaCity on Monday 24 November in the Hot House.
Best Before Memory is an installation that transforms a broken fridge into a living archive of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) memories, where food, storytelling and technology meet.
To develop the work, Isabella held workshops with Manchester’s ESEA communities to gather recipes, stories and domestic objects that carry traces of migration at home. These objects were then 3D scanned and reimagined as translucent ‘memory relics’ which were then projection-mapped back into the fridge and layered with text, labels and QR-linked audio fragments.
The result is a beautiful and poignant exhibit that explores how technology can preserve and reimagine cultural memory.
Isabella said:
“I feel so thankful to be given this platform to create my first installation as a theatre maker. It’s been such an exciting, supportive space to explore new ways of storytelling and rethink how I connect with audiences.
“I’m also really grateful for the confidence, tools and encouragement CreaTech has given me to bring together my passions for food, memory and technology.”
Isabella will develop the project in partnership with CreaTech practitioner Hathaikan (Hattie) Konguanruan to deliver the project.
Hattie said:
“As my first time facilitating in digital technologies, it was amazing to share my DIY approach to digital tools through the CreaTech Artist CoLab experience and get to know each of the participants and their practices. Especially learning about Isabella’s practice, with our common themes of exploring ESEA identity, despite having diverse creative backgrounds so I’m delighted to be collaborating with Isabella on Best Before Memory.”
The project captures the spirit of Salford and MediaCity as places where creativity, technology and community intersect. It demonstrates how artists living and working in the city are redefining innovation and using new tools to tell human stories, build empathy and imagine more inclusive futures.
Work from fellow Createch programme participants will also be displayed.
You can experience the work as part of Beyond Day 00 on Monday 24 November in Hothouse Media City and book a free ticket for the event: https://tickets.beyondconference.org/events/beyond/1902389
The CreaTech Artist CoLab initiative was commissioned by the University of Salford Art Collection in partnership with the Salford Culture Place Partnership, the University and GM Arts: Better Connected at Lowry.
