“Gap Filler Collaborates with RMIT to Create Augmented Reality Experience in Christchurch”

Gap Filler Collaborates with RMIT Future Play Lab to Create Augmented Reality Journey in Christchurch

Gap Filler’s Pae Tākaro Place of Play programme has joined forces with Dr. Troy Innocent from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) future play lab to introduce an exciting Augmented Reality (AR) experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The project, titled ’64 Ways of Being’, is set to debut at the Doc Edge Festival 2024.

’64 Ways of Being’ offers participants an immersive journey through the streets, parks, and Ōtākaro Avon, utilizing mixed reality to bring these spaces to life. Through a combination of place-based participatory artworks, digital art, and storytelling, players are encouraged to engage with the city in new and imaginative ways.

The collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists aims to showcase the diverse stories of Christchurch through playable public art, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and their urban environment. This initiative also supports ongoing research to evaluate the social and cultural benefits of urban play experiences.

Kate Finnerty, Gap Filler’s Urban Play coordinator, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “64 Ways of Being is a key component of the Pae Tākaro Place of Play urban play programme, designed to enhance the city’s vibrancy and creativity through playful events and installations.”

Creative director and cultural consultant Vanessa Karakia-Kore Gray emphasized the importance of self-reflection and play in the project, incorporating various art forms, Māori traditions, and AR technology to encourage a meaningful exploration of personal stories and surroundings.

The collaboration also features contributions from street artist Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch, theatre practitioner Popi Newbery, poet Ben Brown, sound artist Jo Burzynska, and visual artist Lonnie Hutchinson, among others. Together, they have crafted a dynamic and interactive experience that merges digital technology with artistic expression.

Dr. Troy Innocent, the project’s artistic director, highlighted the innovative approach to creative placemaking, emphasizing the importance of connecting with local artists and musicians to capture the essence of Christchurch’s past, present, and future.

Funded by the Australian Research Council, Smart Christchurch, and ChristchurchNZ, ’64 Ways of Being’ promises to offer a unique and engaging experience for participants. The project is set to premiere at the Doc Edge Festival on June 19, showcasing the intersection of art, technology, and community in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

(Source: scoop.co.nz)