IMMENSIVA DAY, organized by Espronceda – Institute of Art & Culture, in collaboration with Fundación Épica Fura dels Baus, was held at Fundación Épica in Badalona on September 18, 2024. This event brought together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts of digital arts and immersive technologies to explore groundbreaking projects in extended reality (XR), haptic technology, and interdisciplinary art. With contributions from key figures in technology, art, and European cultural innovation, IMMENSIVA DAY highlighted the dynamic intersection of these fields.
Key talks and highlights
Xiao Yu – Wearable Haptic Interfaces in XR
Xiao Yu, Associate Professor from the Department of Communications and Networks at Aalto University, presented the EMIL XR project. This initiative focuses on wearable haptic interfaces that allow users to “feel” virtual objects in XR environments.
- Technologies demonstrated: Devices like the SenseGlove Nova2 and HaptX Gloves G1, which simulate the size, shape, and texture of digital objects through tactile and force feedback.
- Innovative features: Thermal haptic technology was showcased, including a sauna experience recreated using temperature sensors.
- Challenges: Modular design integration into XR systems and customization for enhanced user experience.
Aurélie Delater – EU Projects Supporting Arts and Technology
Aurélie Delater, an EU project specialist, highlighted programs that bridge creativity, arts, and technology across Europe.
- Notable Programs: S+T+ARTS, Creative Europe, and related initiatives.
- Project Examples: “The Plants Sense,” an interactive garden translating plant reactions into sound, and “Realities in Transition,” a residency supporting XR art production.
- Core Themes: Empowering multidisciplinary innovation and fostering collaboration between artists and scientists.
Michael Barngrover – The Role of XR4Europe in European XR Networks
Michael Barngrover, Executive Director of XR4Europe, outlined the organization’s role in shaping the XR landscape in Europe.
- Mission: Advocating for XR inclusion in European policies and connecting XR communities.
- Key Efforts: National strategies like Spain’s XR initiatives and Finland’s 2035 vision prioritizing XR technologies.
- Topics Covered: XR’s evolving role in European technology and culture.
Fran Iglesias – Technology Applied to Digital Art
Fran Iglesias, General Manager of Fundación Épica Fura dels Baus, shared insights into the Foundation’s work at the intersection of art, technology, and science.
- Highlighted Project: “The Gate: Future Boundaries,” a festival exploring eCultures and XR with the next edition in Stuttgart (2025).
- Core Focus: Promoting artistic and technological collaboration through experimentation and debate.
Xavi Bové – GAUDÍ’S EVOLUTION
Creative Director Xavi Bové presented GAUDÍ’S EVOLUTION, a digital art project at the Sagrada Família.
- Artistic Approach: Blending light, image, and music to create immersive experiences addressing themes like time, memory, and perception.
- Impact: Transforming audience interaction with art into an active and transformative experience.
Final roundtable discussion: digital art ecosystem
The event concluded with a roundtable featuring Fran Iglesias, Xavi Bové, and Alejandro Martín. The session, titled “Conclusions on the Digital Art Ecosystem,” tackled the following themes:
- Challenges and opportunities in integrating technology into contemporary art.
- Blurred boundaries between physical and digital realms.
- Future directions for immersive art and how emerging technologies redefine artistic expression.
We extend our gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions. Special thanks to:
- Fran Iglesias and Helena Martí from Fundación Épica for their crucial support.
- Elisabetta Broglio (Executive Coordinator, Barcelona Mar de Ciencia – ICM – CSIC).
- Eva Colom (Digital Culture, Catalan Arts).
- Miquel Rubi (Project Coordinator, Innovation Management, Barcelona City Council).
- Núria Amorós Simó (Directorate General for Innovation and Digital Culture).
You can watch a summary of the day’s events on our YouTube channel: IMMENSIVA YouTube Channel. Additionally, check out the event’s highlights in this video: IMMENSIVA DAY Highlights.
