A gathering place for technical and creatives in research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies, the annual conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques comes to Sidney, Australia, December 12-15.
With the 2023 theme of “Connecting Stories,” the 16th ACM SIGGRAPH Asia Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques comes to Sidney, Australia, December 12-15, at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). The annual event attracts some of the most respected technical and creative people from all over the world in the fields of research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies.
"SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 will fortify New South Wales' status as a knowledge hub for creative industries,” commented conference chair and Associate Lecturer at Australia's UNSW Art & Design faculty June Kim. “Championing youth, gender diversity, and cultural inclusivity across science, technology, engineering, arts, and design is a global imperative. This event will serve as a springboard for fresh initiatives to invigorate our local industry. We are also thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the world's foremost innovators whose groundbreaking contributions have indelibly shaped our industry. Their presence underscores the profound impact of SIGGRAPH Asia in nurturing the next generation of talent."
Organizers have announced two Keynote Speakers:
- Professor Jun Murai from Keio University - Internationally known as 'The Father of the Internet in Japan' and the founder of the WIDE Project.
- Joe Letteri - Wētā FX Senior VFX Supervisor and five-time Academy Award winner for Best Visual Effects whose credits include Avatar, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and King Kong.
Additional speakers slated to lead sessions and share insights of the crossroads of technology, visual effects, virtual cinematography, and virtual production, include:
- Bryan Catanzaro - NVIDIA
- Rob Bredow - Industrial Light & Magic
- Paul Debevec - Netflix
- Sabine Laimer and Robin Hollander - Wētā FX
New to SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 is the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, open to Junior (8-13 years) and Senior (14-18 years) participants. The initiative seeks to inspire students to explore cutting-edge animation technology, nurture their technical skills for potential careers, foster creativity at the intersection of art and technology, and provide networking opportunities with industry professionals and experts.
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 presents the Super Speed Connectivity for Digital Twins program:
A global collaboration and showcase of our emerging hybrid society that seamlessly integrates the online and physical realms through extended reality and Digital Twins. The program features real-time demonstrations connecting Sydney and other cities worldwide, exemplifying the convergence of technology, art, and innovation. The program includes high-fidelity streaming across continents, AR/VR-enabled digital twins for remote water treatment, and interactive volumetric live performances between Tokyo and Sydney. Organized by the ACM SIGGRAPH Hybrid Society ad-hoc Committee and powered by AARNet and the WIDE Project, the program pushes the boundaries of connectivity and creativity on a global scale.
2023 Programs Expand with Returning Segments:
"Crossing Thresholds"
Headed by Dune University research professor Victoria Szabo, the segment explores how advancements in computer graphics and interactive technologies are reshaping our stories, memories, challenges, and dreams.
“Demoscene Program”
Under the guidance of Thinking Studio (Australia) managing director Joe Cincotta, the immersive experience for the global computer art subculture focuses on creating demos. Selected creations will be shared with a wider online audience.
“The Doctoral Consortium”
The platform for PhD students to convene and engage in discussions about their research within a relaxed and interactive environment.
“Educator’s Forum”
Brings together professionals with academics, offering insights and strategies to elevate learning experiences across diverse fields.
Mainstay favorite programs include:
- Computer Animation Festival (CAF) – showcasing the Electronic Theater and the Animation Theater
- Technical Papers and Art Gallery
- Emerging Technologies program - a juried exhibition in the Experience Hall
- Extended Reality (XR) - immersive cinematic storytelling in a Virtual Reality (VR) theater-style environment.
- The Art of the Demo
- Real-Time Live! - watch the year’s most innovative graphics and interactive techniques presented and deconstructed live on-stage by their creators.
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Exhibition - December 13 to 15
- Explore advancements in computer graphics, special effects, and animation with leading industry organizations from across Asia Pacific.
- Students and young professionals connect with potential employers.
- Immersive experiences showcase cutting-edge technologies shaping commercial and consumer markets.
- Thirty companies and brands from 11 countries and regions will be on hand, including industry giants such as Adobe; Animal Logic; Canva; FORUM8; Foundry; Fox Renderfarm; Gigabyte; IO Industries; ILM; Meta; MSI; NVIDIA; Pixar RenderMan; Qualisys AB; Ritsumeikan University; Rising Sun Pictures; Rotomaker; SideFX Houdini; United Visual Researchers; VICON; and Wētā FX.
Visit the SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 website for more details and registration.
Source: SIGGRAPH Asia
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
