Join the Chase with Blast Theory

Are you ready to experience the thrill of a chase game that blurs the lines between the physical and virtual worlds? Blast Theory, a group of artists based in Brighton, is bringing their iconic project Can You See Me Now? to the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton. This event will take place from Thursday, 19 November 2026 to Saturday, 21 November 2026, and will feature runners who will interact with the audience in person.

Blast Theory is led by Matt Adams and Nick Tandavanitj, and has been creating interactive and immersive experiences since 1991. Their work often draws on popular culture and new technologies, making them a pioneering force in the field of locative media art. Can You See Me Now? is a prime example of this, where online players navigate a 3D map of a city centre while Blast Theory runners pursue them on the real streets, tracked by satellite. This project was first shown in 2001 and has since won several awards, including the Prix Ars Electronica Golden Nica for Interactive Art in 2003.

The event is a unique opportunity for the audience to engage with the runners in person, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The runners will be interacting with the audience, adding a new layer of complexity to the game. With the help of a redeveloped app for iOS and Android, released in 2024, up to 100 people can play online at a time, making it a truly interactive experience.

Blast Theory's approach to art centres on the role of the audience, often creating unsettling or playful experiences that challenge the participants. Their other notable works include Uncle Roy All Around You and Operation Black Antler, which have received critical acclaim. Can You See Me Now? is widely cited as a forerunner of Pokémon Go, and its influence can still be seen in the world of interactive art today.

The event will take place at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton from Thursday, 19 November 2026 to Saturday, 21 November 2026 at 23:00. Tickets are on sale with the button beside the article.