News

HKBU launches art tech incubation hub CHRYSALIS to push the boundaries of art and technology

19 Sep, 2024

To foster the incubation of cutting-edge, innovative art tech translational projects and entrepreneurial ventures, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) launched the HKBU Art Tech Incubation Hub CHRYSALIS today (19 September).

Located at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), CHRYSALIS is a unique platform that supports the transformation and application of HKBU’s art technology outputs to nurture more artistic innovation and creativity, and inject new impetus into the creative industry. It also provides a creative environment for innovators and artists to excel and explore new frontiers in art and technology.

The opening ceremony of CHRYSALIS was officiated by Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Ms Wu Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Xu Zhengzhong, Chairman of Bauhinia Culture Group; Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; and Mr Peter Lau, Member of the Governing Board, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre.

Other distinguished guests at the ceremony included Professor William Wong Kam-fai, Member of the Legislative Council; Mr Paul Wong Yan-yin, District Officer (Sham Shui Po); and representatives from different sectors and industries.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Paul Poon said, “HKBU has always strived to be at the forefront of the art tech sector, leveraging its strength in the disciplines of arts and sciences. With CHRYSALIS, the University will fully unleash its creative potential of art tech visions and transdisciplinary explorations. Bolstered by our global strategic networks, the art tech hub will become a dynamic nexus of artists, innovators, investors and various stakeholders from the industry and government to facilitate collaborations, technology translation and entrepreneurship.”

In his address, Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung described CHRYSALIS as an important element in the overall landscape of the arts and culture development in Hong Kong. He said, “At a digital era where technology has become one of the key means of artistic creation and innovation, we need both the technological know-how and talents in arts technology to further propel the development of arts and culture. As part of the eco-system, CHRYSALIS will provide a platform to groom talents through enabling them to experience, explore and navigate cutting-edge technology in arts and culture projects.“ He also highlighted the importance of CHRYSALIS in fostering entrepreneurial activities through supporting and connecting innovators and artists, and manifesting a good partnership model between tertiary institutes and the industries to make an impact on the arts and culture sectors.

Mr Peter Lau remarks, “JCCAC is a nurturing place, an incubation hub dedicated to supporting the professional development of artists. We are delighted to add another string to our bow with the establishment of CHRYSALIS in our midst. Art is about pushing boundaries, and the new frontier is where art, technology and entrepreneurship meet to instigate innovation, translation and application.”

CHRYSALIS is equipped with an impressive array of state-of-the-art facilities, all of which are essential facilities for art tech translation, including:

• Full Dome Theatre: This innovative infrastructure features a four-metre diameter dome screen and advanced 4K laser projection systems, offering audiences a highly immersive experience.
  
• Mechatronics Studio: This studio is equipped with cutting-edge 3D printing, scanning and haptic devices. It enables 3D modelling, design, crafting and the high-speed production of quality 3D products at an industrial level, providing high-end and high-quality engineering supports for the translation of creative artworks.
  
• Sound-Recording & Mixing Studio and Harmonix Innovation Lab: Set to be in place later this year, the versatile space will feature cutting-edge digital musical instruments to support artists and professionals in the film and music industries, propel AI music development, and foster a diverse range of creative collaborations.
  
• Materials Discovery Corner: This area serves as a meticulously curated materials library, providing access to a diverse range of materials for exploration and experimentation.
  
• Multipurpose Space and Co-Working Space: These dynamic areas promote collaboration among artists, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. They facilitate creative idea exchange and innovative demonstrations while encouraging startups to network in a communal environment.
  

Marking the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between HKBU, Studio Wayne McGregor, and Hong Kong Ballet. It unveiled a strategic partnership dedicated to exploring art tech, and bringing forth a pioneering, first-of-its-kind digital dance experience.

Leveraging HKBU’s novel art tech facilities, Professor Jeffrey Shaw, Director of the Visualisation Research Centre of HKBU, will collaborate with the internationally renowned British choreographer and director Sir Wayne McGregor, along with Company Wayne McGregor, Studio Wayne McGregor, and Hong Kong Ballet, to create a new post-cinematic choreographic installation titled On the Other Earth.It will combine dance performance, choreography, digital imaging, multi-modal sensing, artificial intelligence, audience interactivity and spatialised sound to deliver a thought-provoking and magical 21st-century experience.

Professor Alex Wai said, “With the inauguration of the landmark infrastructure CHRYSALIS and the University’s well-established strengths in both the arts and sciences disciplines, our strategic collaborations will further entrench HKBU’s strength in transforming and elevating the realms of arts and culture while contributing to the building of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange.”

As a well-known cradle of creativity, HKBU has been leveraging its established strengths in both the arts and sciences, and taking a transdisciplinary approach that will transform and advance the arts and culture by producing new experiences and creations through art tech. From the application of AI in visual art to the creation of cutting-edge infrastructure, HKBU has established itself as one of the world’s leading art tech developers, and helped make Hong Kong an international arts and cultural hub.