At Open Culture Tech, we are now three-quarters of the way through the project, making this a good moment to briefly reflect on what we've done so far, but more importantly, to look ahead to what we still have planned. Over the past few months, we’ve hosted a series of successful showcases featuring a diverse selection of artists.
Among them, OATS, Smitty, Eveline Ypma, Vincent Höfte, Sophie Jurrjens, Jan Modaal, and Ineffekt have all incorporated AI, AR, and avatar technology into their work. Additionally, collaborations are in the works with Linde Schöne, Nana Fofie, DJ Casimir, and Alex Figueira. You can check the performance dates at www.openculturetech.com/agenda
These collaborations with artists have so far resulted in three main tools:
AR Tool: An open-source tool that allows artists to create their own mobile augmented reality experience
Avatar Tool: An open-source tool enabling artists to create avatars for live visuals and connect them to a webcam for motion tracking
AI Tool: An open-source tool that allows you to generate musical samples without collecting data
Delivery
We are currently working on delivering the tools. To facilitate this, we are redesigning our web portal so that all the tools can be easily found and downloaded if needed. This portal will also be linked to GitHub, where all open-source code can be accessed. As we finalize the tools, we are also exploring suitable licensing models to make everything accessible to artists, while possibly charging a small fee to commercial entities.
Sneak Preview: Open Culture Fest
On February 3rd, we will present all project results at Open Culture Fest in the Melkweg, Amsterdam. The day will be filled with live showcases, workshops, presentations, and a networking event. Stay tuned for more info.
Next Steps
In collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision and AIxDesign, we’ve submitted a follow-up funding proposal to Cultuurloket Digitall. With the next phase of the Open Culture Tech project, we aim to make the initiative even bigger and more accessible.
Our plans include
Structuring AI & XR workshops that will be freely accessible to artists
Setting up residencies where artists are paired with a tech partner to co-develop a live performance
Expanding the toolkit with six new tools
Opening the toolkit to external developers so they can contribute their own tools
Collaborating with educational institutions to further embed the Open Culture Tech philosophy in music education