Extended Reality Creative Research Grant (Due Dec. 6)
Extended Reality Creative Research Grant
Deadline: December 6th, 2024
The XRTC Creative Research Grant is a collaboration between the STUDIO, the Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room, and Extended Reality Technology Center (XRTC).
Any student, staff, or faculty member from CMU currently engaged in a creative project within the Extended Reality field is eligible to apply. Projects that are well-suited for this award should either be in progress or of a size and scope where the support from this grant will facilitate bringing the work to a public stage.
Process: Please fill out all the information requested in this form. The jury will gather in early December 2024 to choose 3-4 projects, which will receive awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on each project's budget needs.
What makes my project competitive? This award is designed to help with creative research in the XR field at CMU that might not get support elsewhere. Projects that challenge the usual ideas of practical uses are a great fit for this award. Also, projects that use unexpected methods in their applications would do well in this competition. The STUDIO encourages unique ideas that may be ignored or considered different. Think about whether your project challenges common expectations or breaks conventional rules; if it does, it's likely to be seen as creative!
What is the XRTC? CMU has set up a research center focused on Extended Reality (XR) Technology, named the Extended Reality Technology Center (XRTC). This center is part of the School of Computer Science and has many faculty members exploring different aspects of XR. The XRTC connects researchers and students from across the campus through various activities like research projects, classes, capstone projects, scholarship programs, and residency opportunities.
What is the The Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room? The Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room are special spaces where people from the campus and visitors can connect with each other and experience cultures from around the world. It has modern technology like virtual reality stations and an interactive screen, allowing visitors to check out exciting projects created by students that highlight why learning languages and understanding different cultures are important. People can use multimedia tools to talk to vendors in other countries, see famous landmarks, and learn about various traditions and historical events. The Kenner Room also hosts the Sona Immersive Storytelling Festival, where participants can showcase their final projects, if possible. For more information, you can visit: https://www.sonafestival.com/
What is considered XR for this process? All topics related to creative research on XR will be considered for funding. We will consider any projects related to creative research in XR for funding. XR usually means Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and other immersive experiences that mix the virtual world with the real one. You are welcome to explore any additional ideas about XR in the arts when you make your nomination below
Why this grant? This grant is meant to both support and make visible creative research in the XR field. The XRTC team and the leaders of the Kenner Room are reaching out to the STUDIO to work together on funding Creative Research in the XR field. This marks the beginning of a partnership between the Arts, Languages, and Sciences at XRTC.
Chosen projects will receive support from the STUDIO and a committee that will help manage their funds. They will also have the chance to document their work professionally and share it on the XRTC and STUDIO websites. Additionally, researchers who receive support will get the chance to connect with others in the XRTC group, creating opportunities for teamwork across different fields as this new center gets started.
Who is eligible? Any student, staff, or faculty member at CMU who is working on a creative project in the Extended Reality field can apply. Projects should be in progress or big enough that this grant will help them become public. Group projects are allowed as long as at least one member is currently a student or employee at CMU (you can also have outside collaborators). Questions? Please email Director Nica Ross nross@andrew.cmu.edu