A groundbreaking and immersive virtual reality experience.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Academy Award®-winning virtual reality experience CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees.
KANEKO in partnership with Emerson Collective, PHI Studio, and Legendary Entertainment, presents the immersive VR experience recounting the harrowing journey of Central American and Mexican refugees. CARNE y ARENA is presented for the first time in Nebraska. The installation opens in KANEKO galleries after numerous sold-out runs in the U.S. and abroad.
About the Experience
Originally presented at the 70th Festival de Cannes in 2017, CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) was the first VR experience ever chosen as part of the festival’s Official Selection. Created with frequent collaborator and Academy Award®-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, CARNE y ARENA explores the human condition of refugees and immigrants during their journey.
The 20-minute solo experience is based on true accounts. Called by critics “a must-see” and “genius” and described by attendees as “life-changing” and “powerful,” CARNE y ARENA blurs lines between subject and bystander as visitors walk in a vast, sand-filled space and witness a fragment of a refugee’s personal journey.
Following its 2017 premiere, five-time Academy Award-winning director Iñárritu was presented a special Oscar® for CARNE y ARENA by the Academy “in recognition of a visionary and powerful experience in storytelling.”
CARNE y ARENA is produced by Legendary, Emerson Collective, and PHI Studio in collaboration with the Prada Foundation.
In addition, the following Omaha institutions are also coming together to serve as community partners for CARNE y ARENA, including Vic Gutman & Associates; UNO: Goldstein Center for Human Rights; UNO: Office of Latino/Latin American Studies; Immigrant Legal Center; UNO: Center for Afghanistan Studies; Holland Children’s Institute and the Holland Children’s Movement; Afro Omaha; International Council for Refugees and Immigrants (ICR) Elevate Omaha; Completely KIDS; Inclusive Communities; and the Rose Theater.
Virtual and live programming will be held throughout the run of CARNE y ARENA, with additional community partners presenting content and events as it relates to their exhibitions and programs.
Special Recognition
KANEKO would like to recognize our partner Vic Gutman & Associates for the crucial fundraising efforts to make this project successful. We also would like to thank The Sherwood Foundation and The Holland Foundation for making it possible for this incredible experience to come to Omaha.
Please note that tickets can only be purchased in advance and released every 6-weeks.
COVID Contingency Plan: If we feel that there are significant health and safety concerns, we reserve the right to postpone (ideally) or cancel (unfortunately) any event. Masks are recommended when visiting or attending an event at KANEKO.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- We recommend that visitors arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time.
- CARNE y ARENA is a virtual reality work that is highly immersive and can feel extremely realistic, including experiences with firearms.
- CARNE y ARENA is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia, heart conditions, back conditions, a history of seizures, epilepsy, and/or sensitivity to flashing lights.
- No photography or other documentation of the work is permitted.
- Due to the complex technology employed, the installation may require unplanned maintenance, resulting in delays or cancellation.
- It is not recommended for children ages 13 and under.
- The installation is accessible to those with reduced mobility, although additional assistance may be required. Please contact the venue prior to your visit.
- If you can no longer attend or are experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, please contact info@thekaneko.org at least 24 hours prior to your reserved time, and we will be happy to reschedule you.
HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES
- The spaces are designed for one visitor at a time to circulate to limit interactions and to respect distances safely and comfortably.
- Our team follows a meticulous protocol of hygiene measures: all gear, including the headsets, are carefully disinfected with an ultraviolet machine for efficient sterilization between each visitor.
- If you are experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 5 days, please contact KANEKO at info@thekaneko.org to reschedule for a later date.
- Read the full COVID-19 health and safety measures.
COVID DISCLAIMER
I acknowledge that attending this exhibition/event includes a risk of contracting COVID-19 and that KANEKO is in no way responsible. Masks are recommended when visiting or attending an event at KANEKO.
