Lincoln Center Unveils Next Wave of Innovators: 6 Artists to Revolutionize Performing Arts with Tech

Lincoln Center's Collider Fellows Explore How Tech Can Transform Performing Arts In a bid to harness the potential of emerging technologies, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has announced its second class of Collider Fellows. The group of six artists will explore how virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge tech can revolutionize live performance. The Collider Fellowship program aims to bridge the gap between art and technology by bringing together multi-disciplinary artists to experiment with innovative tools and techniques. "We're not just thinking about the work itself, but how it fits into a larger conversation in arts and technology," said Jordana Leigh, Lincoln Center's vice president of programming. Leigh emphasized her optimism about the benefits of technology for the arts, countering concerns that AI could replace human creativity. "For some artists, technology is catching up to their vision, versus their vision catching up to this technology," she noted. To illustrate this potential, Leigh pointed to a recent collaboration between Lincoln Center and the AI-powered sound system, 4DSound. The six Collider Fellows for 2023 are: Virtual reality artist Rachel Kim AI-generated music composer Daniel Arsham Immersive theater designer Rachel Chavkin Digital media artist Refik Anadol Sound artist Christina Kubisch Choreographer and director Kyle Abraham Background on the program reveals that it was launched in 2020 to address concerns about technology's impact on arts and culture. The initiative has since attracted artists from diverse disciplines, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Leigh acknowledged that some critics worry about AI's potential to replace human creativity. However, she sees AI as a tool for artists, similar to a mixer or paintbrush. "We're excited about artists who can use AI as another tool in their toolkit," she said. The current status of the Collider Fellowship program is one of experimentation and innovation. The six fellows will spend the next year exploring new technologies and collaborating with Lincoln Center's staff and other artists. Their work will be showcased at various events throughout 2024, providing a platform for discussion and feedback. As the arts world continues to grapple with the implications of emerging technologies, Lincoln Center's Collider Fellowship program offers a forward-thinking approach to harnessing their potential. By embracing innovation and collaboration, the program aims to create new possibilities for live performance and the performing arts. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*