The Royal College of Art (RCA) and Acute Art are set to launch an innovative five-day summer program, offering a unique exploration of the intersection between emerging technologies and art. The course, designed for those intrigued by the potential of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the art world, will feature teachings from globally recognized artists and technologists.
The program, which runs from August 28th to September 1st, will provide participants with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders at the forefront of creativity and cutting-edge technology. The course will take place across the RCA Campus and 180 Strand, offering participants a chance to observe the impact and potential of immersive technologies on contemporary art and its institutions.
The course will feature insights from world-renowned artists such as KAWS, MetaKovan, Olafur Eliasson, Julie Curtiss, Gilbert and George, and Alicja Kwade. Celebrated technologist Rodrigo Marques, known for his collaborations with Jeff Koons, Marina Abramovic, Lee Bul, Koo Jeong A, Precious Okoyomon, and Nina Chanel, among others, will also share his perspectives.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Serpentine Galleries for a talk by artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist and engage with leading representatives from Dazed & Confused, FRIEZE, and Outernet, the world’s largest immersive space.
The course aims to equip participants with the tools to navigate the future of the art world, as Daniel Birnbaum, Artistic Director of Acute Art, explains, “If John Cage was right, art is an early warning system, the function of which is to prepare us for the world of tomorrow. This collaboration between Acute Art and the RCA will offer tools to navigate the art world of tomorrow.”
The program will delve into the practical aspects of creating virtual works and curating AR exhibitions, with a demonstration workshop and hands-on elements. It will also explore a range of questions about the future of art in the digital age, such as the curatorial significance of these new visual technologies, the implications for cultural institutions, and the future of art collection.
John Slyce, a senior tutor at the Royal College of Art, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “The RCA is about innovation while not leaving earlier media behind and I believe this exciting short course can be the beginning of many creative and lively learning experiences.”
The “Present Futures: Virtual and Augmented Reality and AI in Art” course promises to be a stimulating exploration of the evolving relationship between art and technology, offering new perspectives and opportunities for those interested in the future of the art world.
