Abstract
The Biomes 2020 3D Virtual Gallery was created as part of a larger research project exploring how artists and designers can work with scientists to communicate important messages. A cross-disciplinary team of University of Newcastle academics from the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Psychology and the School of Creative Industries collaborated with local stakeholders Hunter & Central Coast Development Corporation, Hunter Local Land Services, Landcare and the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry & Environment and international partners from Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria, and to develop strong and creative science communication strategies. The team had originally planned a physical, interactive exhibition, which was transferred to a virtual one in response to COVID 19 limitations. In a short period of time they created the Biomes 3D Virtual Gallery, which was featured in Ars Electronica 2020 Gardens. Upon completion user testing was done to understand artist creation of artworks for 3D virtual galleries, curation of content, design of the gallery itself in a games engine, and audience experiences of artworks in online 3D environments. As a first completed iteration that has gone live to public audiences this NTRO has been instrumental in testing and refining designs for future use. It was the first time in Australia that Amazon Web Server was used for distribution and exhibition of artworks through a 3D virtual gallery run using Unity, so it is innovative in the use of technology for new and unexpected purposes.
Presenters
Bernadette DrabschSenior Lecturer, Visual Communication Design, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia Simone O'Callaghan
Senior Lecturer, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcaslte, New South Wales, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Art, Science, Communication, Cross-Disciplinary, Conservation, Virtual, COVID
