Research Centre
Introduction to the Art and Culture Technology Research Centre (ACTRC)
The Art and Culture Technology Research Centre (ACTRC), affiliated with the Academy of Film and Creative Technology (AFCT) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), serves as a vibrant and dynamic hub where art, culture, and technology converge to promote creativity and innovation of digital content creation through global dialogues. Rooted in the inherently interdisciplinary nature of AFCT, the Centre embodies a commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and the exploration of cultural narratives through technological advancements. By integrating creative practice with rigorous research inquiry, the Centre seeks to understand emerging roles and forms of art and culture in a rapidly evolving digital era.
Mission
The ACTRC is dedicated to advancing transformative research and creative content at the intersection of artistic creation, cultural practices, and emerging technologies. Its mission is to cultivate a global ecosystem of innovation that preserves cultural diversity, inspires cross-disciplinary collaboration, and addresses societal and industrial challenges through the lens of artistic and technological exploration.
Key Focus Areas
- Digital Arts: Fostering experimental practices in digital storytelling, algorithmic creativity, and interactive media to broaden traditional artistic boundaries and engage global audiences, with a specific focus on advancing cutting-edge forms of digital art and culture, including VR/AR/XR and interactive audio-visual creations.
- Creative Technologies: Pioneering initiatives in digital media, immersive narratives, engineered artistry, and AI-driven artistic endeavours aim to expand the boundaries of creative technologies.
- Interdisciplinary Innovation: Bridging art, science, engineering, and humanities to address societal changes such as sustainability, smart city, cultural heritage, immersive entertainment industry, and creative economy.
- Global Cultural Dialogue: Promoting East-West exchanges by leveraging content creation, exhibitions, and digital platforms to enhance the visibility of diverse cultures and foster intercultural understanding.
The ACTRC will actively advance interdisciplinary integration across the Academy’s teaching, research, and practice initiatives while enhancing the Academy’s multidimensional growth in research output, academic endeavours, and industry-academia collaborations. The Centre invites scholars, creators, and industry pioneers worldwide to collaborate on reimagining the future of digital arts and creative technologies.
For collaboration opportunities or inquiries, please contact Dr Yiming Chen at yiming.chen@xjtlu.edu.cn.
Creative Technology and Industry Centre (CTIC)
The Creative Technology and Industry Centre (CTIC) serves as a platform for industry-oriented collaboration and transdisciplinary dialogue within the Academy of Film and Creative Technology (AFCT) and other academic institutions across China, the UK, and beyond. The CTIC’s mission is to promote industry sustainability through the utilisation of creative technology for innovation and productivity, with the aim of more widely distributing the resulting benefits. The Centre emphasises the cultivation of a research-oriented culture in AFCT to facilitate the transfer of research outcomes to teaching and industry practices, as well as to advise industry partners and policymakers on best practices. The key areas of focus include 1) creative industries and policies, with a special focus on digital audio-visual content in film, animation, game, digital performance, digital publishing and displaying 2) responsible AI and cultural production; 3) transmedia storytelling, XR, and immersive experience. The Centre aims to provide support and services for research project incubation, policy advice, and business consultancy in cultural and creative industries by adopting a transdisciplinary approach and creative methodologies.
Development plan
The CTIC was established in November 2024 as a component of the Academy of Films and Creative Technology. It conducts rigorous research and facilitates innovative research projects and creative practices in cultural and creative industries. As a nascent platform, the CTIC aims to cultivate emerging talent and scholars in conducting transdisciplinary research to investigate the role of creative technology in the digital economy and to establish connections with many stakeholders to advance knowledge and practice in the field. Collectively, the CTIC fosters a learning community to address future challenges and promote social change for the public good. In its initial phase, the CTIC welcomes inquiries (contact Dr Xiao Lu at Xiao.Lu@xjtlu.edu.cn) from academics, students, practitioners, and start-up founders to discuss R&D incubation and work opportunities. Our Centre also provides opportunities for potential publications, specialised events, and networking among many stakeholders to share and exchange ideas on emerging topics in cutting-edge technology, creativity, and cultural entrepreneurship.