Why Now

Virtual Reality is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. The creative potential of VR is enormous and mostly untapped, as access to opportunities to create with VR technologies are not evenly distributed. The high cost of equipment and the lack of affordable training opportunities reinforce structural barriers to participation in the field.  

The creative applications of virtual reality are endless. VR requires talent and creativity to be executed effectively and many artists may not know where to begin. VR is being embraced by post-secondary institutions and larger cultural institutions but what about creators lacking access to these specialized facilities and supports? VR is currently hard to access for consumers and for creators outside of these targeted spaces.  

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic is making starkly evident, the need for and challenges with proximity. One of the biggest benefits of virtual reality is its ability to make people feel like they are in the same space together, without the need for travel. These virtual environments can be designed for optimal comfort, productivity, and creativity. Additionally, 3D is a natural communication language overcoming linguistic barriers. We need to inspire people to see these new mediums as tools for expanding human potential creatively, intellectually, physically and emotionally. 

The costs of developing VR solutions means that commercial or large institutions take precedence which has led to a homogenization of content. VR has the ability to change the way we see and to change our relationships with those depicted. To fully explore what experiences are possible, we need constant innovation from various sources sharing their ideas and outputs.

Want to learn more about our approach to VR learning? Read here.