In this episode of Efecto Cascada, we step into the world of Extended Reality (XR) and its potential to drive social and cultural transformation. Our guest, Vanessa Hannesschläger, Head of European Collaboration at Ars Electronica, shares insights into Realities in Transition (RiT), a pioneering European initiative that is redefining how XR is used beyond gaming and commercial applications.
“This project is about giving artists, researchers, and activists a voice in shaping what this technology becomes”, Vanessa explains.
The Vision: XR as a Space for Experimentation
Realities in Transition is a Creative Europe-funded project that brings together artists, technologists, and cultural institutions to explore the social, ethical, and creative dimensions of XR. Traditionally dominated by commercial interests, XR is now finding its place in activism, environmental awareness, and cultural storytelling.
With partners across Europe, including Ars Electronica, Chroniques, KONTEJNER, Dark Euphoria, L.E.V Festival, iMAL, V2_ Lab for the Unstable Media the initiative is building a new European XR community that challenges how we use immersive technologies.
EP 20 – XR as a Catalyst for Social and Cultural Change
Innovation Through Collaboration
One of the most ambitious aspects of Realities in Transition is its XR residencies, which break away from the traditional model. Instead of individual artists working in isolation, the project brought together seven creators from different disciplines to collaboratively develop a single XR experience.
“XR requires multiple skill sets, storytelling, 3D modelling, coding, sound design. Instead of working separately, we asked: What happens when we create together?”
The result was an immersive work, showcased at the Ars Electronica Festival 2024, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Beyond residencies, the project also launched over 50 workshops and XR camps, where artists, activists, and researchers explored:
- How XR can challenge social norms and perceptions
- The role of XR in environmental activism and ethical technology
- Ways to use immersive experiences for community-driven storytelling
These experiments are now documented in a best-practice guide, ensuring that the knowledge gained through Realities in Transition will continue to influence the field beyond the project’s official timeline.
The Future of XR: Where Do We Go From Here?
As XR technologies expand into fields such as psychological therapy, medical training, and education, Vanessa emphasises the need for continued critical engagement.
“The way we shape XR today will determine whether it becomes just another corporate tool, or a platform for meaningful change.”
The project is concluded in January 2025, but its impact is far from over. The consortium is already exploring new initiatives and collaborations to ensure that the creative, ethical, and activist-driven applications of XR continue to evolve.
Listen to the Full Episode
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
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