What better way to design and test your creative vision for the future than in an interactive lab filled with cutting-edge technology? That’s where the Interactive Media Lab (IML) at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) comes in. The lab features an extended reality (XR) studio, the latest virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, and an arcade where students can develop and test their own video games.

And it’s not just available to students—it’ll be open to the public, too! Slated to open in spring 2025, the lab will invite Clevelanders of all ages to learn, experiment, and play with many of the same technologies available to CIA students, making it the first facility of its kind in Ohio.

What’s the Interactive Media Lab all about?

CIA designed this state-of-the-art laboratory to empower its students to innovate and create in ways few other art and design colleges can offer. The two-story, 14,300-square-foot building will share space with Northeast Ohio companies and institutions that are blazing new trails in healthcare, software development, community-based arts, and entrepreneurship. CIA students will get the chance to participate in artist- and designer-driven development with companies like Hyland Software and Jumpstart Inc. so they can see their creations progress from concept to launch.

With powerful tech, a strong community network, and some of the brightest minds in art and design, the IML’s possibilities are endless. 

Get a glimpse inside the IML 

Take a virtual stroll with us as we tour the lab (though you should really just go see it for yourself!).

Extend reality in the XR studio

One of only a few extended reality studios in Ohio, the IML’s XR studio offers groundbreaking tools for producing breathtaking visuals. The space has a 36-foot LED wall and a 26-foot inlaid LED floor that integrate seamlessly to bring even the biggest ideas to life.

Get your game on in the arcade

This room boasts PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC gaming—plus arcade cabinets for playing commercial and independent games, a racing simulator, and VR solo play rooms. It’s gaming heaven!

Unleash your creativity in the multi-format screening room

Outfitted for VR, 3D and 2D visual experiences, immersive audio experiences, video editing, sound mastering, and more, this space is designed for flexibility. It’s got a little of everything—and you can do a lot in here!

Digitize the real world in the image + data capture studio

This is the future that Star Trek envisioned! The image + data capture studio is equipped with laser scanners, lighting equipment, platforms, and turntables that allow you to create digital models of real-world objects and people. Yep, that means you can turn yourself into a hologram.

Get innovative in the rapid prototyping lab 

Transform your most abstract ideas into reality faster than you can say, “Damn, that was fast!” This room is a creative playground complete with 3D printers and laser cutters to help you turn mere concepts into something tangible—quickly.

For more information about the Interactive Media Lab, click here.

ENVZN24: It’s this weekend! Saturday, September 14, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. in San Diego’s hip and trendy Logan Heights neighborhood.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

Want to experience an unforgettable fusion of creativity and culture? See live dance performances, captivating theatre and music acts, mesmerizing large-scale puppetry, and a stunning fashion show by Fashion Week San Diego. Wander through art installations enhanced with curated soundscapes, indulge in a mini film festival, savor delicious food and drinks from local vendors, and so much more. ENVZN24 — an extraordinary celebration of cross-border artistry!

Building on the success of the inaugural event last fall, programming will now be presented in daytime and evening sessions. “By programming two sessions, we are able to increase the number of activities as well as present more family-friendly activities in the daytime,” explained Vanguard Culture Founder and Executive Director Susanna Peredo Swap.

CELEBRATE SAN DIEGO’S UNIQUE BORDER REGION

You can spend the whole day and see something new continually! Nearly 20 arts organizations and 100 artists will be participating. There will even be a food court offering a wide variety of bi-national culinary treats.

“The cultural and creative diversity of our line-up reflects our mission to celebrate arts and culture from every industry across this unique border region. We are very pleased to align with this year’s World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 celebration and to have been selected as an official Community Initiative of the WDC program,” stated Peredo Swap.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE & TIME: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024

2PM – 6PM DAYTIME FESTIVAL
Family-friendly art experiences, mini circus, spoken word, large-scale puppets, steamroller printmaking, live music, food and drink vendors, and more.

4PM – 6PM VIP WINE + CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Soap Factory Courtyard.

6PM – 10PM EVENING FESTIVAL
Immersive art installations, mini-film fest, multi-media and new media experiences, avant-garde fashion show by Fashion Week San Diego, live theatre, music and dance; food and drink vendors and more.