{"id":330990,"date":"2023-10-17T16:38:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T16:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/villa-albertine.org\/?post_type=app_news&p=330990"},"modified":"2023-12-20T18:15:48","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T18:15:48","slug":"exploring-immersive-media-florida","status":"publish","type":"app_news","link":"https:\/\/villa-albertine.org\/va\/news\/exploring-immersive-media-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Immersive Media: Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A diversity of uses and locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The potential of XR seems almost infinite, deployable in any sector. XR is already widespread in the arts and culture: there are numerous museums and exhibitions featuring immersive works, be they video games, films, rides, etc. Other, more unexpected uses are emerging, at school, at work, in society. Despite barriers to entry, industry players in Florida are taking the risk of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida\u2019s arts and culture scene<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mainstream access to immersive media is often done via<\/em> art and cultural venues. Indeed, the technologies fit right in and their potential can be fully exploited in relation to works and space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Villa Albertine\u2019s interactive map and study \u201cImmersive Spaces<\/a>\u201d, there are nearly twenty immersive spaces in Miami alone. This shows how dynamic and unique Florida is: \u201cImmersive reality is indeed becoming important, but this is a general statement. Florida is also embracing this trend. I believe there are site-specific opportunities. For example, we have a unique coastal environment with diverse marine life and wetlands. This lends itself to submersed explorative technologies and the creation of underwater experiences\u201d,<\/em> says Neil Ramsay, Research Associate at Florida International University, a.k.a \u201cThe Creative Economist<\/a>\u201d. Proof of this, for instance, is the success of Hidden Worlds<\/a>, an immersive experience combining art, technology and ocean conservation while being first and foremost a pop-up restaurant. The first run<\/a> took place in 2022 at the world-renowned Rudolf Budja Gallery<\/a> in Miami Beach, the second<\/a> in 2023 in partnership with The Islands of The Bahamas at Ampersand Studios<\/a> in Wynwood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida has a booming XR scene in the fields of arts and culture, despite a \u201cslow start [and] tough time when we started 10 years ago<\/em>\u201d, explains Diliana Alexander, Executive Director of FilmGate Miami<\/a>. \u201cNow University of Miami has an excellent\u00a0Department of Interactive Media,\u00a0University of Florida has strong female immersive artists and academia,\u00a0Miami Dade has an animation school focused on gaming, and Florida International University is entering the space. Museums are focusing their attention on immersive initiatives – the Frost Science Museum<\/a>, Superblue<\/a>, Pamm<\/a>, the History Museum<\/a> are now working on a five year digital plan. The local foundations like\u00a0The Knight Foundation<\/a> and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA)<\/a>,\u00a0are supporting new tech initiatives.\u00a0Art house theaters like O Cinema<\/a> are also programming immersive projects. We know that Mixed Reality engagement awakens citizens to participate\u00a0and we\u00a0value inclusivity and equity\u00a0in a digital age.\u00a0 Wonder and expression can be magnified<\/em>\u201d, she analyzes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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