Experience the latest innovations being created by Virginia Tech faculty and students during ICAT Creativity + Innovation Day. Presented by the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT), the event features immersive experiences, demonstrations, interactive expo-style exhibits, and a panel discussion on Monday, May 2.

Free and open to the public, explore ICAT Creativity + Innovation Day exhibits throughout the Moss Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With activities for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to make music with robots, watch their brain waves change as they engage in music making, and explore the world in new and exciting ways using the latest technology.

Many projects use augmented or virtual reality environments, allowing visitors to explore historical datasets and interact with digitized skeletons of extinct animals, while a multi-sensory art installation uses video, sound, and sculpture to explore the socioecological impacts of invasive plant species in Appalachia.

A panel discussion with Virginia Tech faculty members exploring the themes of voices, the arts, and the future will be held in the Creativity and Innovation District residence hall’s community assembly space beginning at 3:30 p.m. The panel will include:

  • Andrea Baldwin, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, will represent voices with her work focused on Black feminism.
  • Meredith Drum, assistant professor of creative technologies in the School of Visual Arts, brings a deep understanding of the arts and caring.
  • Tom Martin, ICAT deputy executive director and professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, looks ahead with his research on the future of work.

Together with moderator Lisa McNair, professor in engineering education and director of ICAT’s Center for Educational Networks and Impacts, the panel will consider future trajectories through the lens of amplifying and unplugging. Exhibit awards will be presented immediately following the panel discussion.

An immersive runway fashion show offers an experience at the intersection of biotechnology and design. An abbreviated version of “BioTech Couture” will be held at the Creativity and Innovation District residence hall immediately before the panel discussion at 3 p.m. in the community assembly space. The show features biofeedback control couture dresses, 3D-printed sculptural jewelry, and live projection mapping.

The full version of “BioTech Couture” will be offered on Sunday, May 1, at 7 p.m. and will include a post-show exhibition that allows audience members to see the pieces up close, learn more about the technology, and engage with the designers and models.

The Virginia Tech New Music + Technology Festival concerts will feature performances of masterworks by Alvin Lucier (1931-2021), one of the foremost experimental musicians of the 20th century, as well the premiere of new works by faculty, students, alumni, and guest artists, including the L2Ork Linux Laptop Orchestra and the New Music Ensemble. All events are free, but reservations are required for some events. Find the full festival schedule and more information online.

Powered by advanced technology and networks of creative people, ICAT brings together and supports teams of faculty and students from across academic disciplines to address grand challenges and creative opportunities, ranging from large societal problems to industry-specific issues to the frontiers of artistic expression.

The Moss Arts Center adheres to the guidelines of the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Tech in its operations. More information about these requirements is available on the Moss Arts Center website.

Paid parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Virginia Tech has also partnered with ParkMobile to provide a convenient, contactless electronic payment option for parking, which may be used at any parking meter, campus parking space, or lot with standard F/S, C/G, or R parking.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jamie Wiggert at least 10 days prior to the event at 540-231-5300 or email wiggertj@vt.edu during regular business hours.

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