The Cleveland Institute of Art is introducing an advanced Interactive Media Lab that incorporates extended reality technology to equip students with essential job skills.
The century-old institution, known for its innovative approach, is taking a significant step with the state-of-the-art Interactive Media Lab, benefiting both students and the Greater Cleveland community.
Resembling a scene from Hollywood, the lab features a striking 36-foot video wall accompanied by additional LEDs integrated into the floor. Through motion tracking technology, the background dynamically adjusts in response to camera movements, creating an immersive extended reality studio environment.
“We can create any digital world possible and put it on the screen,” said Matthew McKenna, the Associate VP of Information Systems and Technology for CIA. “As well as using our rapid prototyping capabilities to create props and combine them in a mixed reality environment.”
The lab explores immersive experiences — from augmented, virtual to extended reality. It spans over 14,000 square feet and includes multiple studios and creative spaces, including an arcade, muti-format screening room, image and data capture studio, rapid prototyping lab and innovation studio.
“Using this next generation of tools is preparing our students for jobs that may not exist right now,” said McKenna.
CIA is one of ten tenants in the newly opened MidTown Collaboration Center, a hub where education, medicine, tech, and workforce development intersect. It’s a concept that impressed Ohio’s governor.
“There’s something in there for everybody to get excited about,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Whether it’s the arts, whether it’s making movies, whether it’s scientific research, whatever it is, it’s happening there.”
“Cleveland Institute of Art’s decision to be here was really part of our strategic plan to help amplify our efforts in creative economic development, but also drive technological innovation through art and design, as well,” explained CIA’s president and CEO, Kathryn Heidemann.
Full programming begins this fall semester, but students are already creating an immersive reality short to test the limits of the tech. CIA hopes the Interactive Media Lab becomes a launchpad for partnerships — with the community, industries and beyond.
“For industry partners, to have something like this in Cleveland is going to be a real game changer there, as well as, an opportunity for them to work with this next generation of talent,” added McKenna.
It’s not just about movies. The lab can enhance traditional arts, and has real-world applications, like virtual reality training for different professions. CIA says students working in this space will be ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
“We’re building a pipeline,” said Heidemann. “As industry continues to grow, building a pipeline for talent, here in the in greater northeast Ohio, which is more important than ever.”
