Abstract

Multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) are growing in popularity with the emergence of faster broadband Internet access and more powerful computer technology. Virtual worlds are used extensively for social networking, business, and education. The virtual world (VW) of Second Life has 12 million residents (a resident is a person represented within the VW by an avatar). The 3D Art Challenges started at the University of Western Australia in Second Life (SL) in 2009. Since that time, UWA has rapidly emerged as a central hub of art activity in SL. A survey was conducted in SL by UWA to understand the demographic who are regular participants in the Art Challenges. It was hoped to determine virtual age, ethnicity, experience, education, insights into virtual art, and opinions regarding the Art Challenges from as wide a sample as possible. It was hoped that the information obtained would further enlighten researchers regarding the role of large social networks and communities in achieving collective intelligence. The survey was aimed at increasing understanding of how practical art and design skills could be developed within the visually rich, immersive SL environment, facilitated by the networking of a community of global art practitioners.