We are working with universities in the West Midlands to revolutionise the way technologies such as AI and VR are used in the creative industries.
We are delighted that CreaTech Frontiers, a Creative Industries Cluster of which the RSC is a member, has been awarded £6.75 million of government funding to make the West Midlands a leader in creative innovation.
The CreaTech Frontiers Cluster brings together Birmingham City University, Coventry University, the University of Birmingham, the University of Warwick and the RSC.
It will use the funding to develop the region’s micro, small and medium-sized businesses that specialise in creative technologies like video games, virtual production and immersive reality, to ultimately foster innovation in creative technologies and drive economic growth.
Responsible AI
The cluster will work together with industry partners to help them to develop new products, processes and tools, multi-platform content, translating skills and technologies. This will include:
- developing responsible AI and immersive technology that will revolutionise creative productions, while widening access and participation,
- incorporating VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) technologies for live events,
- adapting game engines for non-gaming applications in music, theatre, and film,
- using game design principles to engage audiences, and
- employing 3D modelling and animation techniques to create high-quality immersive content.
Reaching diverse audiences
As part of its work with the cluster, the RSC will lead a programme of R&D demonstrators, culminating in experimental performance projects to be showcased at the Texas festival and conference, South by Southwest (SXSW), in 2026.
This will profile CreaTech businesses identified through the cluster’s work, reaching diverse audiences and exploring new ways of creating.
The investment in the cluster is delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
