Dorothy Di Stefano is director and founder of Molten Immersive Art, ‘the node, the nexus and the connecting point of artists from across the globe’.
An art curator and creative strategist, she leads a collective of international experiential artists and researchers and stands as a thought leader and innovator in the narrative-based immersive and interactive art space.
As an advocate for the arts, di Stefano participates in cultural committees and speaks at international events. Her current roles include curator for the Noor Riyadh art light festival (Saudi Arabia), visual arts advisor for the Saudi Ministry of Culture, global immersive art advisor for KAVE Immersive (UK), and founding circle member of the World Experience Organization (UK).
Her work seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, artistry and interactivity to develop transformative and captivating experiences.
Dorothy Di Stefano: a passion for nature and music
“My journey into the world of art and immersive experiences has been a colourful one, woven together by my innate fascination with the beauty that surrounds us and my deep-rooted love for music,” she tells blooloop:
“From a young age, I found myself captivated by nature’s simple yet profound wonders – the billowing clouds, the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and the mesmerising hues of a perfect sunrise. These experiences instilled in me a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around me.”
Music has always been central to her life:
“It has served as both a source of solace and inspiration. As a former cellist and Latin American dance instructor, I’ve explored various avenues of artistic expression. The ingredient that tied all of these loves together was music. It runs in my blood, shaping my identity and igniting my creative spirit.”
Beyond her passion for music, it was the allure of operating behind the scenes that attracted her to audio engineering:
“My transition into the immersive and audiovisual realm was a fluid evolution guided by intuition and serendipity. While long-term aspirations and ten-year plans have their place, I’ve learned the value of embracing life’s unpredictable currents. I’ve navigated a direction and career I could never have predicted by remaining adaptable and open to new opportunities.”
Molten Immersive Art
Dorothy Di Stefano outlines Molten Immersive Art’s journey from inception forward, encompassing its vision, mission, and evolution:
“Molten Immersive Art embarked on its journey with a focus on crafting large-scale exhibitions for cultural institutions, primarily within Australia. However, our passion for art propelled us to envision a broader scope for the company. One that transcended traditional exhibitions and delved into curating events, festivals, and immersive art-based experiences.”
At the heart of its vision, she explains, lies a deep appreciation for the artists themselves:
“We believe that art is not merely about the finished piece. It is about the soulful, passionate humans who breathe life into these creations. Our mission is to amplify their voices, act as advocates, and provide a platform for them to share their work with the world.”
Central to Molten’s ethos is the idea of integrating art into everyday life:
“It’s about making it an indispensable part of our existence rather than a luxury reserved for special occasions. We strive to democratise art, ensuring it is accessible to all, regardless of financial means.”
Building relationships
Molten Immersive Art has expanded its horizons beyond curation to engage in creative consulting and art direction as it has evolved.
“Our expertise lies in seeing the bigger picture and leading teams to manifest artistic visions. Our strength lies in our relationships with artists, built on mutual respect and trust.”
Looking towards the future, she adds:
“Molten is poised to launch an artist agency, serving as a nexus where organisations, clients, and brands can discover the perfect artist for their projects. Through collaboration and a shared passion for creativity, we aim to cultivate an industry that fosters innovation and cultivates moments of pure magic.
“Molten Immersive Art is a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to nurturing artistic expression and creating transformative experiences that resonate deeply with audiences around the globe.”
Collaboration is key
Dorothy Di Stefano’s ‘big break’ in the industry came when she was invited to serve as an advisor to the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia.
“It was an extraordinary opportunity. It allowed me to collaborate with a diverse group of global experts spanning literature, performance, museums, contemporary art, music, fashion, food, and visual arts.
“In this role, our mission was to develop concepts for future regional events and festivals. The intensity of the work was invigorating; we were challenged to generate ten new concepts each week. This experience deepened my understanding of the region, its culture, and its people and honed my skills in conceptualising events.”
It was the collaborative aspect that made the experience a game-changer, she contends:
“Working alongside experts from various fields was exciting and incredibly enriching. We shared insights, learned from each other, and collectively elevated our understanding of the arts landscape on a global scale.”
Dorothy Di Stefano’s influences
In terms of her influences, she explains:
“My professional and creative development has been shaped by many influences, ranging from the beauty of nature to the talented artists I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with.
“Each of the different things that inspire me contributes to the rich tapestry of creativity that fuels my work. First and foremost, I find inspiration in the world around us. From nature’s breathtaking beauty to everyday life’s intricate patterns, there is endless wonder in the world we inhabit.”
Collaborating with talented artists is another source of inspiration:
“Their unique perspectives and boundless creativity serve as a wellspring of ideas, pushing me to explore new avenues of expression and innovation.
“Our industry is incredibly generous, with experts and colleagues freely sharing their knowledge and insights. Working alongside other curators and creative consultants is always inspiring. We learn from each other and collaborate to elevate our craft”.
Another source of inspiration is the world of theatre and dance, with its rich tradition of storytelling and immersive experiences.
Finally:
“I find inspiration in the pioneering work of companies like Disney, which created immersive experiences long before the term became popular. Their ability to transport audiences to fantastical worlds and create unforgettable moments of magic is a constant source of inspiration and admiration.”
Inspirational artists
In terms of the artists, experiences and installations that have impressed her the most, she comments:
“A wealth of digital artists, immersive experiences, and installations that have left a profound impression on me. Christopher Bauder‘s creations stand out for their sheer power to transform spaces and captivate audiences. Dark Matter in Berlin is a prime example of his mastery – and a must-see!
“Yann Nguema‘s projection and installation art is a testament to his ability to craft images that are both intricate and magical, enhanced by his background in music to create a seamless audio-visual experience.”
“Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a marvel of attention to detail. It seamlessly blends narrative and immersive design to transport participants into the heart of the Star Wars universe.
“SpY‘s work continually impresses with its thoughtfulness and captivation, evolving with each new piece to engage and inspire viewers. David Spriggs‘ artwork is a mesmerising blend of craftsmanship and allure, drawing viewers into intricately layered compositions that beguile the senses.
“Chantal Matar‘s exploration of mixed media and architecture, infused with the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence, creates unique and captivating spatial encounters that push the boundaries of creativity.
“Studio McGuire’s mastery of storytelling elevates their work to linger long in the memory, weaving narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Joon Moon‘s ‘Augmented Shadow: Chasing Stars In Shadow’ seamlessly fuses technology and art, inviting viewers to become co-creators of enchanting narratives.”
The evolution of immersive experiences
Immersive experiences have evolved since she started working in the industry.
“The evolution of immersive experiences has been remarkable,” she observes. “Initially, the focus was primarily on projection-based activations, where visuals dominated, and audio often felt disconnected. These experiences, while impressive on a large scale, still resembled traditional museum exhibits rather than fully immersive adventures.”
Dorothy Di StefanoThe goal now is to engage as many of the five senses as possible, making participants feel active rather than passive observers.
However, as technology advanced and storytelling techniques evolved, there has been a shift towards creating experiences that truly envelop participants in the narrative:
“The goal now is to engage as many of the five senses as possible, making participants feel active rather than passive observers. This means integrating sound design seamlessly with visuals, incorporating tactile elements, and appealing to taste and smell when feasible.”
The essence of true immersion, she contends, lies in transporting people out of their daily lives and into the heart of the story, where they become integral characters in the narrative:
“Interactivity has become a significant component of immersive experiences, allowing participants to influence the story’s outcome or interact with elements within the environment. Overall, the evolution of immersive experiences has been characterised by a shift towards creating truly multi-sensory, interactive adventures that blur the lines between reality and fiction, leaving participants with lasting memories and deeply transformative experiences.”
From passive to active
The industry itself has evolved, with customer expectation driving that evolution:
“Customers today are seeking more than passive entertainment,” she explains. “They crave memorable shared experiences that engage them on a deeper level. This shift in expectation has propelled the industry towards creating immersive experiences that entertain and leave a lasting impact.”
Advancements in technology, too, have played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s evolution:
“From virtual and augmented reality to interactive installations and sensory experiences, technology has opened up new realms of possibility for creating immersive adventures.”
Another significant trend she perceives is the blurring of boundaries between different industries. Immersive experiences, she comments, are no longer confined to traditional entertainment venues:
“They can be found everywhere, from theme parks and museums to retail spaces and corporate events. This cross-pollination of ideas and concepts has led to a richer, more diverse landscape of immersive offerings.
“Ultimately, customer expectation drives the industry’s evolution. This is what pushes creators and innovators to continually raise the bar and deliver experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. As long as customers continue to seek memorable shared experiences, the industry will continue to evolve and adapt to meet their needs and desires.”
The importance of storytelling
Dorothy Di Stefano identifies storytelling as playing a pivotal role in the success of immersive works of art and experiences:
“A compelling narrative serves as the backbone, guiding participants through a journey that resonates emotionally and intellectually,” she says. “By crafting rich narratives that captivate the imagination, creators can craft experiences that leave a lasting impact on participants.
“For me, the connection between visuals and audio is crucial in creating an experience that resonates deeply. This synergy can elevate the impact when executed harmoniously, enhancing emotional engagement and fostering a deeper connection with the content. Visuals and audio work together to evoke specific moods, emotions, and atmospheres within an immersive environment.”
“For example, the soaring crescendo of a musical score can heighten the tension of a dramatic visual moment. Meanwhile, subtle ambient sounds can enhance the sense of realism and immersion within a virtual world. By synchronising visual and auditory cues, creators can direct participants’ focus, draw them deeper into the story, and create moments of emotional resonance that linger long after the experience has ended.”
The connection between visuals and audio also plays a practical role in guiding participants through the immersive environment:
“Sound can be used to provide spatial cues. This helps participants orient themselves within a virtual space or guides their attention towards key points of interest.”
Dorothy Di Stefano on AV vs. immersive
The industry she works in differs from the traditional audiovisual (AV) sector in several ways, she explains:
“Firstly, the primary goal of the immersive experience industry is to transport participants into an alternate reality or narrative, engaging them on a deeper emotional and sensory level. In contrast, the AV industry typically focuses on delivering audiovisual content for entertainment, communication, or informational purposes, often in more static or controlled environments.”
Dorothy Di StefanoIn immersive experiences, creators must craft narratives and environments that envelop participants, engaging multiple senses and fostering interaction.
This distinction in goals directly influences the creative process.
“In immersive experiences, creators must craft narratives and environments that envelop participants, engaging multiple senses and fostering interaction. This requires a more holistic approach to storytelling, focusing on creating dynamic, multi-sensory experiences that unfold in real-time and respond to participant input.”
As a result, the technology utilised tends to be more complex and specialised when compared with traditional AV setups:
“While both industries may use similar tools such as projectors, screens, and sound systems, immersive experiences often require additional components such as motion tracking, interactive interfaces, and spatial audio systems to create a fully immersive environment.
“Furthermore, the creative process in immersive experiences often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines, including visual arts, sound design, programming, and interactive design. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation and creativity. Creators draw on diverse skill sets and perspectives to bring their visions to life.”
Rising to the challenge
Outlining the most significant challenges and opportunities of her career, she describes how she either met or leveraged them:
“One of the most significant challenges that ultimately turned into a major opportunity was the transformation of my company’s operational model. Initially, we centralised all skills in-house, but shifting to a more adaptable approach posed hurdles of resistance and uncertainty. This transition demanded a thorough re-evaluation of our workflow and restructuring of our relationships with external collaborators.”
However, in hindsight, it proved to be a pivotal decision, offering substantial prospects for growth and advancement:
“Embracing a flexible model enabled us to harness the specialised expertise of artists and contractors tailored to the unique demands of each project. This flexibility allows us to curate teams with diverse skill sets and perspectives, ensuring we consistently deliver top-tier results for our clients, regardless of project complexity or location.”
Though the transition presented challenges, it unlocked fresh opportunities for collaboration and innovation:
“This newfound agility facilitated our entry into the international market and solidified our place in the industry.”
Trends to watch
In the immersive experiences industry, Dorothy Di Stefano explains, several emerging trends are shaping the landscape and paving the way for future evolution:
“One prominent trend is the increasing integration of virtual and physical worlds, blurring the lines between digital and tangible experiences. This convergence opens new possibilities for creating immersive narratives that seamlessly bridge the gap between the real and the virtual.”
Dorothy Di StefanoAugmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) enable creators to push the boundaries of immersion and realism. These technologies are becoming more accessible and affordable, democratising the creation and consumption of immersive experiences
Another emerging trend is the rise of interactive storytelling, where participants play an active role in shaping the narrative and outcomes of the experience.
“This trend reflects a growing desire for personalised and participatory experiences that engage audiences on a deeper level.”
Advancements in technology are driving innovation in the industry.
“Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) enable creators to push the boundaries of immersion and realism,” she observes. “These technologies are becoming more accessible and affordable, democratising the creation and consumption of immersive experiences.”
Sustainability & inclusivity
Looking ahead, she adds:
“I envisage the industry will continue to evolve in several key directions. Firstly, I anticipate a greater emphasis on multi-sensory experiences that engage all five senses, creating more immersive and impactful environments. This trend will likely lead to the development of new technologies and techniques for incorporating tactile, olfactory, and gustatory elements into immersive experiences.”
She also foresees a growing focus on sustainability and ethical considerations in the creation of immersive experiences:
“As consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues, there will be greater demand for experiences prioritising sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity.”
Moreover, the industry will likely see continued collaboration and convergence with other creative sectors such as gaming, film, and live entertainment.
“This cross-pollination of ideas and expertise will lead to the development of more ambitious and innovative immersive experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling and immersion.”
Dorothy Di Stefano and Noor Riyadh
In terms of notable successes, she says:
“One of the achievements I am most proud of is my curatorial role for Noor Riyadh, the largest light art festival globally. What truly fills me with pride are the moments of connection and collaboration that emerged throughout the festival. Witnessing artists from diverse backgrounds come together, discover mutual admiration for each other’s work, and discuss future collaborations was incredibly rewarding.
“These interactions fostered creative exchange and forged lasting connections that transcended borders and cultures.”
Additionally:
“I take immense pride in the artwork’s impact on the local culture and community. It was truly gratifying to see how the vibrant displays of light and colour resonated with audiences and witness the profound sense of wonder and joy they brought to people’s lives. It reaffirmed the transformative power of art to inspire, uplift, and unite people across cultural divides.
“Just imagine for a moment the sight of 180 artists from 40 countries converging in Riyadh to create moments of magic together. It was a testament to the universal language of art and the potential for creativity to transcend boundaries and foster meaningful connections. It was, without doubt, the most moving and unforgettable experience of my career thus far.”
The power of art
For the future:
“In the short term, my immediate plans involve launching an artist agency, which will serve as a nexus connecting organisations, clients, and brands with the perfect artists for their projects. This initiative aims to streamline the process of artist collaboration and provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work globally.
“Additionally, I am committed to further developing Physical.Digital, a weekly e-zine that my colleague Lee Billington and I recently launched. This platform features candid and insightful interviews with both established and emerging artists, offering readers a unique glimpse into the creative process and inspirations behind their work.
“In the longer term, I have several ambitious projects in the concept stage that I’m eager to bring to fruition. These large-scale endeavours aim to push the industry’s boundaries and revolutionise how we experience art and immersive experiences.”
Looking further ahead, Dorothy di Stefano says that her ultimate goal is to leverage her connections within the artistic community and Molten Immersive Art’s presence on social media to advocate for the importance of art in our lives.
“I aspire to elevate art from a luxury or entertainment commodity to a fundamental aspect of human existence, emphasising its power to inspire, provoke thought, and foster empathy and connection.”
