We have published Space to Play, a new research report exploring lessons for future arts and technology partnerships.
In 2016, we worked with Intel and The Imaginarium Studios to create a unique new production of The Tempest.
Looking at this collaboration and interviewing the people involved, Dr Ceri Gorton has written a report which identifies four key ingredients for success in digital R&D partnerships:
- Put people first, celebrating and recognising expertise
- Shift your culture to accept risk, flatten hierarchies and provide time and space to play
- Develop transformational leaders, giving them a mandate to build enthusiasm across the partnership and unlock expertise
- Make sure you measure the innovation you achieve as well as any financial return
The lessons highlighted in the report will have application for others wanting to undertake digital research and development.
Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development at the RSC, said: “Together we were able to push the boundaries of theatre, with live performance capture and facial real-time motion capture on stage for the very first time. And in the process, the experience reached people in 124 countries around the world, as well as 136,000 audience members in Stratford and at the Barbican. This new research shows how using a partnership model to invest in collaborative R&D can also catalyse wider organisational innovation.”
Sarah presented the findings at the 2018 SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, this week, as part of Future Art and Culture, Arts Council England and British Underground’s large-scale immersive art programme. She also shares a case study on the project as part of ACE’s Art of Leadership portfolio: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/case-studies/whale-and-tempest.