IICSI's fourth annual 24-hour improvisation festival returned on October 20–21, 2023. IF 2023 featured robust, in-person programming inside Guelph’s new state-of-the-art performance space, ImprovLab, and in other venues across the University of Guelph campus—and folks around the globe tuned in online for a stream of both live and pre-recorded events.

Curated by IICSI Director Dr. Ajay Heble (Founder and former Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival and 2023 Killam Prize winner), IF 2023 featured a spectacular range of creators showcasing original, spontaneous works. Centred on the theme Restless Imagination: Improvising the New Normal, IF 2023 showcased legendary and emerging improvisational performers mixing skill, vulnerability, and daring to make meaning out of the moment.

IF 2023 dovetailed with two other events at the University of Guelph: an exhibition showcasing and celebrating 15 years of the Improvisation Institute’s research findings, Improvising Communities: A Retrospective Exhibition (installed in ImprovLab Massey Hall at the University of Guelph, Oct. 16–22) and the Sound Meaning Education academic conference, CONVERSATIONS & improvisations (Oct. 20–22).