In this online workshop, we’ll explore how AI is redefining possibilities across the performing arts. Led by Jo Mangan, who has been at the forefront of embracing the opportunities immersive technologies and AI can bring to creative work, and who originated The Performance Corporation’s Arts and Technology SPACE Programme residency in Paris, this session will delve into how AI can be used as a true creative collaborator.
Joined by two other artists utilising AI in their work, they will demonstrate practical applications of AI, from intelligent design to AI-driven character development, to use in the development of soundscapes. They will bring a unique perspective on how these advanced technologies can translate into creative processes on stage, in choreography, and in storytelling while addressing the ethical and creative challenges they present. Beyond this, the session will examine how AI can enhance audience engagement through personalised experiences, streamline production workflows, and expand creative boundaries in ways previously unimaginable.
This workshop is ideal for creatives who are curious about incorporating AI into their work and want to understand how these tools can augment rather than replace human creativity. Whether you’re looking to push the boundaries of your craft or simply gain a better understanding of AI’s role in the future of the arts, this session will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to take your work into exciting new realms.
Date & Time: 26th November, 11:00 AM (approx. 75 minutes)
Venue: Online via Zoom
Registration: Free, but registration is required.
Glossary of terms: Available here
Image by Jo Mangan in collaboration with Midjourney AI
In the coming months, we will be holding additional sessions focused on AI, exploring policies and broader implications.
Jo Mangan
Jo is a multi-disciplinary artist, an independent practitioner and Artistic Director of The Performance Corporation where she focuses on the creation of Theatre, Opera, and Extended Reality (XR). She founded The SPACE Programme, Ireland’s longest running multi-disciplinary international artists residency with a current focus on Arts and Immersive Technology, running at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris. Recent directing work for the company includes MoCap Experiments (Dublin Theatre Festival ’23) the Live/Virtual Reality work Emperor 101, (Dublin Theatre Festival ‘21, SXSW, LP360 Vancouver), and The Dead – an Opera at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre. As Programmer and recent Director/CEO of Carlow Arts Festival, she pioneered Outdoor and Digital work including VR Cinema, and a Virtual Reality Festival Campus. Other Curation work includes the Prague Quadrennial Design Expo for Ireland and Digital Consultant for Brightening Air Festival. Recent independent directing work includes directing 5 films for Irish National Opera’s 20 Shots of Opera, and Out of the Ordinary – VR Opera (Irish National Opera) winner of the International Fedora Digital Prize. She is currently on the board of the Gate Theatre and served 5 years as Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts. Recent engagements as speaker include SXSW Austin Texas, Jeunesses Musicales International, Forum des lnstituts Culturels Etrangers a Paris (FICEP), IETM (International Performing Arts Network), and Bristol Digital Games Lab. Awarded the Clore Cultural Leadership Fellowship this saw her take up roles in the Barbican London, and the Department of Arts in Dublin. Other awards include multiple Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards and the prestigious European Fedora Digital Prize for Opera.
Aoi Nakamura
Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director of AΦE, Choreographer, Dancer.
Aoi is an accomplished performer in state theatres in Germany, Jasmin Vardimon Company and Punchdrunk since 2006. She is an award-winning choreographer with her work Ototoxic (2008) which was awarded first prize at the international choreography competition at Aarhus and was performed in Germany and Japan. In 2016, she co-founded AΦE with Esteban Lecoq, pioneering XR technologies in dance. Based between the UK and France, AΦE has toured 15 countries and over 60 venues. In 2021, AΦE became associate artists of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries – University of Kent and launched A+E Lab located at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Across all works, AΦE has engaged over 101,000 live audience members and participants. Their latest production, LILITH.AEON, an AI-driven XR dance work, is set to premiere in October 2024.
Photo by Ben Harries
Hilary O’Shaughnessy
Hilary is a leading creative with twenty years of experience developing and delivering innovative cultural programmes that engage broad audiences with digital art and culture. Her expertise lies in pioneering and stewarding ambitious, groundbreaking cross-disciplinary projects that drive innovation and engagement, reaching millions worldwide. Previously, she has commissioned multi-award-winning digital art (Dreammachine), overseen the UK’s most extensive immersive programme (Storytrails), and designed interactive games for the Science Gallery International’s GAME:THE FUTURE OF PLAY touring exhibition.