SIGGRAPH 2017, the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques, is seeking a diverse range of new Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) submissions to be showcased during its upcoming annual conference. SIGGRAPH 2017 will mark the 44th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, and will be held 30 July–3 August 2017 in Los Angeles.
“This year, we are seeking VR and AR submissions across programs that are both content-driven and highly interactive. Previous years' contributions included art installations, real-world applications and simulations. Projects this year that focus on technology are best suited for Emerging Technology, while projects that are content centered around storytelling and film are encouraged for submission to our VR Theater,” notes Denise Quesnel, 2017 VR Village Chair, and a Research Assistant at Simon Fraser University.
Specifically, SIGGRAPH 2017 is seeking VR & AR submissions for possible inclusion within these programs:
VR Village
This venue offers attendees the ability to explore the fascinating potential of brand-new VR and AR formats for shared experiences, engaging audiences, and powering real-world applications in health, education, entertainment, design, and gaming.
“Submissions for 2017 VR Village content should be hands-on and focused on the experience rather than the technology, allowing attendees to explore the capabilities and functionalities of each project in context. Projects that include performative elements and social experiences are encouraged, as are multi-user experiences that are collaborative,” Quesnel adds.
The deadline to submit a project for VR Village consideration is 21 March 2017. To submit, please visit: http://s2017.siggraph.org/vr-village-submissions.
The Computer Animation Festival’s VR Theater
For SIGGRAPH 2017, the conference’s renowned Computer Animation Festival is moving beyond the flat screen for the first time to present short films and experiences in a brand new space, the VR Theater. The idea behind the VR Theater is to present a forum in which SIGGRAPH attendees can experience the rapidly evolving VR medium within an unprecedented environment.
Pol Jeremias, Computer Animation Festival Director for 2017 and a Graphics Engineer at Pixar Animation Studios, shared, “We are looking for submissions for our VR Theater that will push the boundaries of storytelling. During the past two years, VR has reemerged as an important medium, and the projects we hope to show will present the next era of storytelling — presentations that depict new and powerful new stories to see, hear, and experience.”
The deadline to submit a project to the Computer Animation Festival’s VR Theater is 21 March 2017. To submit, please visit: http://s2017.siggraph.org/computer-animation-festival-submissions.
Emerging Technologies
SIGGRAPH 2017’s Emerging Technologies program will present novel, innovative, and surprising systems that advance human-to-human, human-to-computer, and computer-to-computer interaction. Projects accepted for Emerging Technologies are best experienced in-person and involve either new technology or a novel use of existing technology.
“We are looking for a variety of submissions for virtual and augmented reality. Of particular interest are projects that will further refine our experience and increase the feeling of presence in VR, or how we interact in a new era of spatial computing for AR. Emerging Technologies often showcases ways different companies and researchers are approaching the biggest problems in VR and AR and solving them,” said 2017 Emerging Technologies Chair Jeremy Kenisky, a Vice President at Merge VR.
The deadline to submit a project for Emerging Technologies is 14 Feb. 2017. To submit, please visit: http://s2017.siggraph.org/emerging-technologies-submissions.
Games Focus Area
Through the Games focus, attendees of the 2017 conference can go behind the scenes of some of today’s most critically acclaimed and popular video game titles. The program centers around the innovation and creativity of the video game industry, and how real-time rendering and simulation videogame technologies are powering a new era of interactive media.
Chris Evans, Games Focus Area Chair for SIGGRAPH 2017 and a Senior Character Technical Director with Epic Games, said, “This year, we are trying to do something quite different by seeking submissions of content centered around animated short films with beautiful assets and interesting characters for the new VR Jam competition. Those accepted will have the opportunity to work on these animated short films and transform them into virtual reality experiences at the conference itself.”
The submission form for Games’ VR Jam will open in late February. Read more about this on the ACM SIGGRAPH blog.
Real-Time Live!
SIGGRAPH 2017’s Real-Time Live! program will present an interactive extravaganza that celebrates real-time achievements at the intersection of ingenious technical skills and creative beauty. Real-Time Live! will showcase the latest trends and techniques for pushing the boundaries of interactive visuals.
“I’m very hopeful that we will receive VR submissions this year for simulations and video games, because those two areas are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We would like to present innovative new VR projects through our submissions that use existing technologies in clever, creative, and exciting new ways — with presentations that go beyond the traditional techniques that are currently available today,” said Cris Cheng, Real-Time Live! Chair for 2017, and a Lab Technician at Technicolor.
The deadline to submit a project to Real-Time Live! is 4 April 2017. To submit, please visit: http://s2017.siggraph.org/real-time-live-submissions.
About SIGGRAPH 2017
The annual SIGGRAPH conference is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience in the latest computer graphics and interactive techniques, including a three-day commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of companies from around the world. The conference also hosts the international SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival, showcasing works from the world's most innovative and accomplished digital film and video creators. Juried and curated content includes outstanding achievements in time-based art, scientific visualization, visual effects, real-time graphics, and narrative shorts. SIGGRAPH 2017 will take place from 30 July–3 August 2017 in Los Angeles. Visit the SIGGRAPH 2017 website or follow SIGGRAPH on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram for more detailed information.
About ACM SIGGRAPH
The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques is an interdisciplinary community interested in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. Members include researchers, developers, and users from the technical, academic, business, and art communities. ACM SIGGRAPH enriches the computer graphics and interactive techniques community year-round through its conferences, global network of professional and student chapters, publications, and educational activities.
About ACM
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, career development, and professional networking.
