Media Advisory: Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience Comes to Torpedo Factory
WHAT: Six of poet Nikki Giovanni’s works will be transformed into the “The Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience” at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria. During the 15-minute multimedia exhibit, users will experience recordings of Giovanni reading the poems combined with visuals and music tailored to the poetry.
Media are invited for an early preview to meet with Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) Interim Co-Executive Director Tom Martin who will be available to discuss the exhibit and Giovanni’s legacy. The installation will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 17 and is free to the public.
Virginia Tech, ICAT, and the City of Alexandria will also host Tech on Tap: The Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience Friday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. More information on that event here.
WHEN: 11 a.m. - noon, Friday, February 6, 2026
WHERE: Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
WHO: Tom Martin, Interim Co-Executive Director, Virginia Tech Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology
Media RSVP: Media should RSVP to Noah Frank in the media relations office at nafrank@vt.edu or 805-453-2556 by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5.
On-site Contact: Noah Frank | 805-453-2556 | nafrank@vt.edu
BACKGROUND: Giovanni’s poems are well known for exploring themes of childhood, joy, loss, and Black identity. Members of the project team said their hope is for visitors to connect with those same themes through familiar stories, music, and images.
Supported by ICAT, with funding provided by the Office of the President, the experience was created by an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students.
The exhibit builds on a smaller version of "The Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience" that debuted in June to coincide with Giovanni’s public memorial service. That installation included two poems, “Ego Tripping” and “Nikki Rosa.”
