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K-ARTS Selected for KOCCA’s Cultural Content R&D Human Resources Development Project

2023.11.28

2021. 6. 4

K-ARTS Selected for KOCCA’s Cultural Content R&D Human Resources Development Project

- K-ARTS to spearhead the nurturing of next-generation Metaverse content creators.

- Strategic partnership with POSTECH and LG U+ to develop R&D talent and metaverse-native content.

- Leading the future of convergent content, including metaverse performances and virtual acting.

<Conceptual diagram of 'Building an Artificial Intelligence and Increasing Reality-Based Content Metaverse' by the Convergence Arts Center of Korea National University of Arts>

The Korea National University of Arts (K-ARTS) has been selected for the Cultural Content R&D Human Resources Development Project, positioning the institution at the forefront of educating the next generation of leaders in metaverse content and convergent arts.

This project, managed by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), provides 2.75 billion KRW (approx. $2 million USD) in government funding over three years. Its goal is to foster high-level content professionals by integrating advanced technologies with traditional genres such as performing arts, exhibitions, film, and gaming.

■ A Global Powerhouse Collaboration

The initiative is led by the K-ARTS Art & Technology Lab (AT Lab) in collaboration with:

● Academic & Global Partners: POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) and Ars Electronica (the world-renowned media arts institution).

● Industry Leaders: LG U+ (a 5G and telecommunications pioneer), G-Crew, and Birdhand.

The consortium will focus on research and creation in core metaverse areas, such as AI actors and virtual performances.

■ Vision: Merging Technology with Artistic Sensibility

"While discussions about the metaverse are everywhere, the importance of the actual content and the talent required to lead it is often overlooked," said Professor Seung-moo Lee, Director of AT Lab and lead investigator of the project. "Our goal is to combine POSTECH’s technological prowess in AI, computer vision, and haptics, Ars Electronica’s global network, and LG U+’s 5G leadership with K-ARTS' creative excellence. We aim to produce convergent creators and researchers who will define the future of metaverse storytelling."

■ K-ARTS AT Lab: A Proven Track Record

K-ARTS recently ranked 36th globally in the 'Performing Arts' category of the QS World University Rankings, the highest among Korean universities. The AT Lab has already established a strong international reputation:

● Award-Winning Creations: The 2020 metaverse performance Scarecrow VRC won the 'Best Immersive Narrative' at the Raindance Film Festival and the

'Digital Storytelling Innovation Award' from Columbia University’s DSL.

● Global Festival Circuit: Projects like Rain Fruits (supported by KOCCA) have been officially selected for Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and Cannes XR

● Global Distribution: The lab recently secured an international distribution deal with Iconic Engine (under Digital Domain), further solidifying its role as a global trendsetter in metaverse R&D.