Why the Caged Bird Sings—Immersive Engagements is a solo touring exhibition by Saskatchewan-based and Indigenous interdisciplinary artist and singer/songwriter Cheryl L’Hirondelle. The works in the exhibition are media and sensory-rich transmissions using virtual reality (VR), video, hyper-directional audio and the olfactory that forge immersive experiences featuring the lyrics, voices and musical arrangements that resulted from the artist’s decades-long commitment to engaging in collaborative songwriting processes with incarcerated and detained populations in Saskatchewan. Included in the exhibition are nine original drawings from several of the participants and a listening station to hear all nine songs from the project. Additionally, karaoke versions of the songs will be screened on AKA Art Gallery front window for the duration of the exhibition. The final evening of the exhibition will host a concert with several well-known and versatile Saskatchewan musicians performing the original songs from the project with L’Hirondelle (performers’ names TBA). Immersive Engagements is curated by Common Weal Community Arts Northern Artistic Director Judy McNaughton who worked with the artist, beginning in 2008, to deliver the song-writing workshops.

 The exhibition opens March 14th and runs until April 17th , 2025 at PAVED Arts in Saskatoon.