The University of Maryland’s Immersive Media Design (IMD) program in partnership with The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center’s NextNOW Fest is seeking submissions of digital and immersive media art to present as part of The Clarice’s NextNOW Fest, a celebration of creativity and community taking place the week of September 4, 2023.
Accepted submissions will take part in IMD’s New Works Incubator (NWI), a nine-week summer development program designed to support the creation of new immersive media projects by students from across the UMD campus. More information about the New Works Incubator can be found here.
Theme
The theme of this year’s New Works Incubator is Present.
When used improperly, immersive media can contribute to distractions and take us away from the present. Conversely, the medium and its tools can enhance the present through feedback and amplification of the real world. Using high-resolution reality capture technology like motion capture, photogrammetry, 3D scanning, and volumetric video we can highlight, rather than hide reality and become more aware of ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. This NWI, students are encouraged to develop projects that promote awareness of the present and create positive social interactions using audio, visuals, sensors and haptics.
Details
Workshops for the technology listed above will be available during the NWI program. Workshops will be held Monday and Thursday of every week from 12:30-3:30pm starting June 1st. If an existing project is being proposed in this application, it is recommended that the proposal includes an intent to utilize at least one of these technologies. Examples of past proposals include augmented or virtual reality experiences, small scale new media music, theater, or dance performances, interactive projection installations, installation art, and combinations of the above.
Submissions will be reviewed by Immersive Media Design and Clarice staff on a rolling basis through Sunday, May 14, 2023. Space is limited so applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as early as possible. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance in the New Works Incubator by May 22nd, 2023.
NextNOW
A limited number of selected New Works Incubator projects will be showcased during NextNOW Fest at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (September 7 & 8, 2023). Projects may also be showcased at the Iribe Center and other venues during the same week. New Works Incubator projects that are accepted to be presented at The Clarice should be completed and ready for presentation no later than August 1, 2023. Project creators will be in conversation with Clarice Programming and Production staff on how to adapt their project for the specific available spaces at The Clarice. All financial and personnel support for technical needs is at the discretion of Clarice Programming and Production staff. Incubator projects will be notified of their acceptance to be presented at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center by August 1, 2023.
Questions?
For New Works Incubator related questions:
Ian McDermott
IMD Technician
imcdermo@umd.edu
Jonathan David Martin
IMD Programs Manager
martinjd@umd.edu
For NextNOW Fest-related questions:
Megan Pagado Wells
Artistic Planning Program Director, Festival Arts at The Clarice
mpagado@umd.edu
About NextNOW Fest
The Clarice’s NextNOW Fest is an inspiring arts experience that celebrates imagination, creativity and community. By amplifying the voices of intriguing, inventive artists from around campus and our community, NextNOW Fest creates a forward-looking microcosm where art transforms our future and connects us all.
NextNOW Fest is a signature event in University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative, which leverages the combined power of the arts, technology and social justice to address the grand challenges of our time. In addition to our traditional student, academic and touring arts lineup at The Clarice, we’re thrilled to continue forging partnerships with more student-led groups, academic departments and community organizations to expand the festival to more days at sites throughout campus and into College Park!