Present Futures: Virtual and Augmented Reality and AI in Art
28 August to 1 September 2023
Acute Art headquarters at 180 The Strand and RCA campuses
Immerse yourself in the intriguing realm of Virtual and Augmented Reality and AI through a five-day summer short course by Acute Art and the RCA. This course will provide an introduction to the captivating spheres of Virtual and Augmented Reality and AI in Art, as well as how these cutting-edge technologies are reshaping contemporary art and its institutions. Discover the influence of these emergent technologies on art and design in this unique and engaging educational experience delivered in collaboration with Acute Art.
Present Futures: Virtual and Augmented Reality and AI in Art provides unparalleled access to globally recognised artists, designers, entrepreneurs and art world practitioners involved in the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) and Artifical Intelligence (AI), this five-day course is led by John Slyce (Senior Tutor, RCA School of Humanities) and Daniel Birnbaum (Artistic Director, Acute Art).
The course offers an opportunity to observe first-hand the impact of these new immersive technologies on contemporary art and its institutions, from industry leaders at the forefront of cutting-edge thinking and creativity delivering each session, with site visits across London to map the production and reception of 21st century VR/AR/AI art. Confirmed guest contributors you will interact with in-person or online on the 2023 programme include:
- Olafur Eliasson, Artist
- KAWS, Artist
- Rodrigo Marques, CTO of Acute Art
- Hans Ulrich Obrist, Curator and Director of the Serpentine Gallery
- Gilbert & George, Artists
- Crypto Entrepreneur Vignesh Sundaresan (AKA MetaKovan)
- Simon Fox, CEO Frieze
- Sophie McElligott, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dazed Media
These individuals will share how they are engaging with, exhibiting, collecting, negotiating and understanding the impact of these new technologies on the art world ecosystem. This course marks the first collaboration between the world’s leading university for Art and Design, the RCA and preeminent producer and platform for VR in an art context, Acute Art.
Who Should attend?
This short course has been designed for those who have an interest in or are curious about the intersection of VR/AR/AI and contemporary art, including its production, presentation, experience, collection and conservation.
This would include but not be limited to:
- Artists/digital makers
- Gallerists
- Collectors
- Technologists
- Those interested in digital technologies and art
- Those interested in NFTs, blockchain and art
- Postgraduate level students or undergraduates preparing for Master’s study
©2023 Present Futures, RCA
Art Plugged is a contemporary platform inspired by a relationship with the broader arts communities. We provide our audience with curated insight into the world of art, from exhibitions to artist interviews and more.
