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Immersive Arts Research

We are at the forefront of the burgeoning immersive arts industry. In Birmingham and around the world, our researchers work closely with creatives and industry partners to develop immersive experiences that inspire, challenge and entertain.

Pioneering an emerging industry

Changing how the world supports arts and culture

  • An immersive arts live performance takes place in a dome-shaped theatre, where a band performs on stage surrounded by an audience. A large, immersive projection of a forest scene covers the dome ceiling.

    Immersive Experience Network

    Developed by Dr Joanna Bucknall in partnership with leading immersive arts practitioners, the Immersive Experience Network (IEN) is the only organisation in the world dedicated to supporting creators in the sector. By building a community, sharing knowledge and best practice, lobbying decision-makers, and providing access to funding, the IEN is helping champion and sustain the industry around the globe.

    [Image: Arka Kinari: Artivism at Sea - 4Pi Productions at SAT Montreal]

    Learn more about the IEN
  • Professor Annie Mahtani controls the BEAST system at a BEASTdome event. She is sat amongst the audience with the mixer in front of her.

    BEAST

    The Birmingham Electro-Acoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST) has pioneered and collaborated on immersive sonic experiences and ground-breaking electronic music since its inception in 1982. With a system that uses up to 100 speakers, BEAST has developed a technique called live ‘diffusion’ which creates vivid sound worlds that immerse listeners – whether it’s a sound installation enveloping you in the marine world of the North Atlantic or a lullaby and dance workshop for children.

    Discover BEAST's events
  • A man in the background plays the cello whilst a screen in the foreground shows recordings of him from different angles with different filters.

    ARME project

    The Augmented Reality Music Ensemble is striving to understand how musicians synchronize to each other. ARME uses motion capture technology and computational models to create virtual performers that mimic real-life behaviour. The aim is to immerse a solo musician in a real-time, interactive orchestral or ensemble experience via a VR headset, so they can practice more effectively on their own.

    Read more about ARME's research
  • A Still from the Ruskin Land Virtual Tour, an immersive experience that allows users to virtually explore Ruskin Land.

    A virtual tour of Ruskin Land

    Professor John Holmes and Dr Dion Dobrzynski have worked with the Guild of George and the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research to creative an interactive, virtual tour of Ruskin Land – a 100-acre oak woodland in the Wyre Forest. Among the stunning 360-degree images, you’ll find readings from Tolkien fantasy fiction and other fascinating insights about the forest.

    Virtually explore Ruskin Land

Creating in partnership

  • An Allosaurus skeleton on display at the Lapworth Museum with green uplighting

    Accessible digital exploration: Lapworth virtual tour

    The virtual museum provides on-demand access to the museum from anywhere in the world. Using high-quality, multi-dimensional photography and sound recordings of its main galleries and collections, it allows for informative and interactive pre-visit familiarization for audiences with sensory or spatial concerns and needs.

    Virtually explore the Lapworth

Explore our Creative Industries courses

Browse our courses

BA Cultural and Creative Industries

The BA Cultural and Creative Industries degree at the University of Birmingham will prepare you to lead and innovate in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK. Combining theory and practice, your degree covers aspects of business, project management, and leadership skills alongside developing your creativity to know how to deliver dynamic content to audiences.

BA Digital Media and Communications

Studying on our BA Digital Media and Communications undergraduate degree allows you to engage critically with multiple forms of communication – from face-to-face conversation, the news, social media, TV, AI and beyond – and to explore how media shapes communication globally.

MA Digital Media and Creative Industries

Turn your creativity into your career with our MA Digital Media and Creative Industries. Get the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving career in the arts and cultural industries.

MA Digital Media and Communications

In our digital age, communication is more crucial than ever. The MA Digital Media and Communications programme will prepare you to engage critically with various media practices, paving the way for careers in related fields or further academic research.

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