Barbican Creative Hub Launches Conference Series with Cutting-Edge Exploration of AI and XR in the Creative Industries
The Barbican Creative Hub is launched its highly anticipated annual conference series today, 3rd October 2024, at the University of Lincoln, kicking off with an event that promised to help shape the conversation around innovation in the creative and cultural sectors. This conference was held at the Lincoln Arts Centre, where leading experts explored how groundbreaking technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) are revolutionising the creative and cultural industries.
Diverse Range of Perspectives
This event bought together an impressive lineup of speakers from across the creative spectrum, each of whom is at the forefront of their field. The 100+ attendees gained invaluable insights through a series of national keynote presentations and regional panel discussions featuring:
– Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development at the Royal Shakespeare Company, known for pioneering digital experiences that blend traditional theatre with next-generation technology.
– Kishan San, Senior Researcher at Forensic Architecture, whose work in using advanced digital tools to investigate human rights abuses has gained international recognition.
– Professor Marc Hanheide, a renowned expert in Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems at the University of Lincoln.
Professor Marc Hanheide explained why bringing together new technologies and the creative sector at events like the Future Perspectives is so important.
“To me, the arts and creative sector can serve as a canvas for technological innovation, inspiring us to envision and shape a future beyond today’s constraints. Through the lens of creativity, we can explore the transformative potential of Robotics, AI and XR, fostering a new generation of thinkers and makers at the intersection of technology and culture. It’s an open space for inclusive learning and innovation.”
Supporting Innovation across the Region
Aimed at creative professionals, freelancers, students, academics, and graduates, the event will provide fresh perspectives on embracing innovation and exploring how Lincolnshire’s unique cultural landscape can be a catalyst for new ideas and a thriving future.
Speaking about the conference, Sukhy Johal MBE, Founder and Director of the Centre for Culture and Creativity at the University of Lincoln, said: “This series represents an exciting opportunity for our community to come together and reimagine the future of creativity through collaboration and technology. With Lincolnshire’s distinct identity and rich cultural heritage, the possibilities for innovation are limitless.”
The Barbican Creative Hub has 3 more dynamic workshops on the horizon with “Pathways to Tomorrow” exploring international and local social prescribing initiatives, “Technically Speaking” that is co-curated with University of Lincoln students and will explore accessibility and inclusivity within the landscape of theatre, events, and festival production, and our second Future Perspectives conference examining sustainable and social impact practices.
