Escaping reality has never been easier – the borders have reopened, international travel is up and running, and the 21st century has graced us with multiple mode of technology that offer escapes of some sort – more specifically – virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
During the month of July, the people of Perth (you) are one step closer to experiencing the latter with the fifth annual XR:WA Conference and Expo. Immerse yourself in the exciting spheres of VR, AR, and gaming between Sunday 20 and Wednesday 23 July.
Held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip and the State Library of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre, XR:WA is the most comprehensive assembly of VR and AR experiences to land in Perth to date.
Here, you’ll find a mega line-up of local and international works, keynote presentation, and immersive demonstrations spanning the realms of art, entertainment, education, training, scientific research, and business.
Not only can you interact with companies at the Trade Floor and Exhibition, but you can also get around the Games and Experience Emporium which will see a spectacular array of experiences, computer games, and insightful industry talks.
Highlights of the 2023 XR:WA include: the thrilling free-falling journey Gravity, the Royal Airforce pilot experience, and the haunting labyrinth Ghost Cam.
XR:WA’s Festival Director, Richard Sowada, says, “We love working in this area of powerful convergence of all media forms.”
“Through our collaborations in producing six VR works in five years, creating more than 50 jobs doing that and investing more than a quarter of a million dollars into the sector, we’ve seen the real power of these immersive forms including games, so bringing these conversations to Perth for this event is thrilling for us all.”
The fifth annual XR:WA Conference and Expo is a free, public event, and runs Sunday 20 and Wednesday 23 July. Check out the full program here.