SwirlsXaRt workshops are free, but you need to register. Some workshops are in-person and have limited space. Some are virtual, and you will require a link-so you need to register!
This list is a work in progress -there will be a few more details and events added as we get the information!
Sat. Oct 15, 2:00pm Riverhead Brewing Company
Keynote Speech: Joshua Lucas
What does it mean to be an artist working in XR? What are some of the challenges that creators face when starting to explore new technologies and mediums for their art and self expression? How can these tools be used to develop innovative works that extend beyond what is possible in traditional mediums? Joshua Lucas, a multi-disciplinary artist and digital creative, invites audiences to enter the metaverse, explore what it means to become an Xrtist, and question that which is lost in pursuit of these experiences. The landscape of digital art, augmented, virtual and mixed reality will change the world forever; come learn about this digital revolution at the Swirls XaRT keynote address.
Tues. Oct. 18 6:30pm Online
Unity Basics I with Alex Dault
Requires: PC or Mac with internet access and pre-installed freeware
Have you ever wanted to create 3D or 2D environments that an audience could explore? Unity is a powerful, free tool that allows creators to build interactive and immersive experiences. In this workshop on Unity Basics, game designer Alex Dault will teach some of the basic concepts of the Unity Interface and give a sense of what Unity is capable of. This workshop will focus on creating Game Objects, Hierarchies and Game Physics.
Wed. Oct. 19, 7:00pm Fractal Workspace
Oculus and Altspace 101 with Digital Cauldron Collective
Requires: Oculus headset (we have a few to borrow, or bring your own)
Curious about Virtual Reality (VR)? Come hang out with us! We will demonstrate some of our hybrid In Person and In Virtual theatre work. We will then walk you through some of the basicsabout navigating VR through the Oculus and Altspace VR, and you will get exclusive access to some of our virtual sets from our presentation of Orlando.
Sat. Oct. 22, 1:00pm- 4:00pm Harrison-LeCaine Hall
Binaural Audio for Headphone Listening with Matt Rogalsky
*Artist-Facilitator: Andrew Johnson
This workshop involves exploration of spatial audio, both over loudspeakers and in headphones as binaural sound. Applications of surround sound are everywhere, from stage to screens. In this session we will work with prerecorded sounds to spatialize them in various ways. We will also explore some techniques for recording binaural sound directly, “in the field”.
Tues. Oct. 25 6:30pm Online
Unity Basics II with Alex Dault
In this second workshop on Unity Basics, game designer Alex Dault will introduce Lighting, Animation and Audio Components as well as build a controllable player.
Sat. Oct 29, 2:00pm ONLINE
Metaverse Concerts 101 with Joshua Lucas
Are you interested in performing music in VR? Have you been wondering about releasing your music as NFTs or becoming a web3 musician/artist. In this interactive workshop, Joshua Lucas will explain how he got started as a Web3 musician who has sold out his first music NFT release and been performing in VR for the past 2 years. You’ll learn how to get started with live streaming music performances in the metaverse, some of the platforms available to you and experience an interactive showcase and music performance by Joshua Lucas where he will provide a brief overview of his setup and the technical challenges and obstacles you might face becoming an XR artist.
Wed. Nov. 2, 2:00pm Modern Fuel Artist’s Run Centre
Care of the VR Headset with Liam Karry
Especially for those who lend headsets to others, learn how to properly clean and wipe VR headsets so that your data and your person stay safe.
Fri. Nov. 4 7:00pm at The Grand Theatre in The Davies Lounge
Sat. Nov. 5 2:00pm at The Grand Theatre in the Davies Lounge
Introduction to 360VR Filmmaking Part I & Part II with Justine & Ian Garret (Toasterlab)
Join Ian and Justine Garrett of Toasterlab to get a hands-on introduction to working with 360 cameras to create unique video projects for mobile devices, VR, and traditional screens. Learn the ins and outs of thinking, directing, and choreographing in 360. We’ll be working with participants to plan and record short films and understand the workflow for immersive video projects using entry-level video kits which will provide you the essential skills for future VR Film projects. location TBA
Sun. Nov. 6 2:00pm at the Isabelle Turner Branch of the Kingston Public Library
Introduction to WebAR with Justine & Ian Garrett (Toasterlab)
Have an idea which brings your own artistic twist to Pokemon Go? Looking to make your paintings come to life with video and animation? Want to allow your audiences to bring your performances into their living room? Using Web-based Augmented Reality, all of these possibilities have become easier and more economical than ever. Join us for an introduction to creating content and getting it online as a live Augmented Reality experience. Work with Ian and Justine Garrett of Toasterlab to explore lost-cost ways of getting your ideas quickly from idea to an interactive experience accessible on mobile devices.
Sat. Nov. 12 2:00pm at The Central Branch of the Kingston Public Library, meeting room #2
Exploring the World of Soundscape with Andrew Johnson
This workshop involves the exploration of soundscapes, and the application of spatial audio to bring a scene to life. In this session, we will work with pre-recorded sounds as well as recording audio through a 360 microphone to enhance a scene and create an immersive audio experience.