Bakkus, de verhalenverslinder (“Bakkus, the story-gobbler”) is an interactive audio-first installation for children. It uses improvisational storytelling to craft narratives in an installation where humans and machines collaborate. By conversing with Bakkus, visitors help him progress his tale, which is interpreted, transformed, and expanded in real time by generative AI. Each session produces a unique narrative shaped by the voices within the space, accompanied by an evolving musical soundtrack.

The installation is deliberately screen-free and focuses entirely on sound. Multiple microphones, headphones, and speakers are arranged within a soft, inviting physical environment featuring textiles, lighting, and graphic elements. As interaction occurs solely through listening and speaking, Bakkus is inherently accessible to children with visual impairments, whilst remaining engaging for both groups and individuals. Originally configured to tell stories and process input in Dutch, the system can be adapted for most major languages.

Bakkus was developed with robust safeguards to ensure a safe, age-appropriate experience. The project was supported by the Cinekid x Amarte MediaLab Open Call and premiered in October 2025 at the Cinekid Festival, the premier film and interactive media festival for children in the Netherlands.

Videos and tech rider of the installation are available on request.

Credits

• Bakkus is a Merel uit de Machine production, created by Hay Kranen & Nienke Huitenga Broeren
• Technical lead: Hay Kranen
• Music and sound design: Mark IJzerman
• Visual design: Wendy van der Waal

Photos © Cinekid / Momenttom.com