Scottsdale Public Art adds augmented reality to 11 artworks

PHOENIX- Visitors at Scottsdale Public Art are now able to view 11 artworks through augmented reality when standing by on a mobile device app.

Users can find the ScottsdalePublicArt channel on the Hoverlay App, and need only point their camera in the direction of the artwork to activate the extra content.

Varying from photos to animations, the AR features provide further information about the artworks all hosted by artists, staff and experts.

“With these new AR features, people can find out more about the artworks than they would get from a simple plaque,” Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections for Scottsdale Public Arts, said in a press release.

Augmented reality puts digital images or information onto real-world objects through a device lens allowing users to have an enhanced experience at their own convenience.

“The augmented reality experiences were fast-tracked because of the pandemic,” Tanya Galin, public art coordinator for Scottsdale Public Art, said. “We no longer could have in-person tours of the artworks during Canal Convergence, so AR allowed us to provide background information on the piece without a physical person standing there.”

Scottsdale Public Art debuted the AR features in November during Canal Convergence 2020 and most of its artworks and select pieces from the permanent collection were chosen to include AR elements, according to the release.

In addition to the release of the app locals and visitors can participate throughout April in the public art bicycle tour, Cycle the Arts, where they can emerge themselves in an augmented reality experience at their own pace.

Throughout the month of April, Cycle the Arts is a self-guided bike tour, with augmented reality hosts providing info on pieces from the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection in celebration of Valley Bike Month. Learn more on our Immerse blog: https://t.co/T4TFECa5Mb pic.twitter.com/69u1FCEdkD

— ScottsdalePublicArt (@SDLPubArt) April 1, 2021

Prior to this year, Cycle for the Arts was a single-day event, but with the ability to allow users to entertain themselves at their own convenience on a device, the event now runs month-long.

Related

Scottsdale Public Art reaches fundraising milestone for new exhibitsCanal Convergence event blends water, art, light in Scottsdale for 10 daysCanal Convergence returns this fall to Scottsdale, with social distancingMaricopa County Library District celebrates opening of new West Valley branchBygone mall favorite Hot Dog on a Stick plans return to ArizonaCentral Arizona Project president says feds ‘bought the lies’ on Colorado River plan