This free, hands-on workshop introduces artists to the creative potential of Augmented Reality (AR).

When: Friday 11 September, 10AM – 4PM

Where: College Rd Campus (College Rd, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 1EB)

This free, hands-on workshop introduces artists to the creative potential of Augmented Reality (AR). Led by artist and educator Nicholas Stevenson, participants will learn how to scan real-world objects, edit 3D models, and create their own web-based AR experiences using free, accessible digital tools.

Participant Criteria:

All necessary skills will be covered in the session, using free tools Polycam, Blender and Web-AR.

Attendees should have a smart phone, be able to download and sign up for new apps, and be comfortable using a computer.

Open to artists and creatives, students and graduates and HCA staff.

Session Schedule:

Explore the possibilities of Augmented Reality for artists by trying some existing AR experiences out.

Select an object to scan using Polycam, as well as learning where to source public domain 3D objects.

BREAK (refreshments provided)

Participants will use Blender to modify their scanned objects and prepare them for use in AR.

LUNCH (participants should bring lunch)

Participants will use Web AR to turn their scanned objects in to an AR experience that the public can access.

BREAK (refreshments provided)

Everyone will share and try each other’s AR experiences and evaluate ways to use these tools in future projects and collaborations.`

Augment Reality Workshop is delivered by Hereford College of Art. It is supported by Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands and Contemporary Visual Arts Network West Midlands as part of Ode to the Midlands. The programme invests in artists, organisations, and audiences across the Midlands, strengthening regional connections and expanding access to digital visual arts.

This event forms part of a wider series of Ode to the Midlands workshops, generously supported by universities and partners across the East and West Midlands. All workshops are free and open to the public, offering opportunities to develop digital skills, encourage experimentation, and build confidence across the sector.

Ode to the Midlands is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Artist Bio:

Nicholas Stevenson is a visual artist living in Hereford, he is the course Leader of Digital Content Creation BA(Hons) at Hereford College of Arts.

As a freelance artist Nicholas has worked for The New Yorker, Dell, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Google Arts & Culture and many more.

Nicholas is a co-founder of CMYK Festival of Print and Illustration.

@nicholasillustration www.nicholasstevenson.com

Access Information:

The workshop space is physically accessible. There is plenty of on-site parking. As you pull in to our College Road campus you will see parking immediately to your left and right. If participants require specific access needs or have any further questions about this workshop please email: N.Stevenson@hca.ac.uk

Photo by Hannah Lou Jones.

Description supplied by the event organiser.