Lab Rats VR Program — ILA

Empowering artists to reimagine their work in immersive space
Client: Immersive Light & Art
Audience: Artists aged 18 and over
Location: The Lab, Adelaide CBD
Delivery: Weekly workshops
Program Duration: 3 weeks across June–July 2025

Overview

In collaboration with Immersive Light & Art, Lab Rats VR invited artists aged 18 and over to explore how virtual reality can support, expand, and transform creative practice. Designed for artists working across all mediums — from painting and sculpture to sound and installation — the program offered a welcoming, hands-on introduction to designing and creating for immersive spaces.

Over three weeks at The Lab in Adelaide’s CBD, participants learned to use VR headsets, develop their own VR experiences, 3D model, build interactive VR art galleries to showcase their own work. Whether stepping inside a 2D painting reimagined in 3D or experimenting with spatial storytelling, artists were encouraged to break traditional boundaries and rethink how their work is experienced.

The program also included dedicated networking time, peer sharing, and personalised one-on-one support. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, get advice tailored to their own practice, and explore immersive 360° VR experiences developed by Reality Bytes Media.

Key Outcomes

• Introduced artists to the tools and workflows of VR creation
• Supported development of personalised VR gallery spaces to showcase original work
• Built foundational skills in 3D modelling and spatial storytelling
• Created opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and cross-medium experimentation
• Strengthened artist confidence in applying immersive tech to their own creative practice

Workshop Features

• Professional training in VR tools, spatial layout, and user experience
• Step-by-step learning in 3D modelling for virtual environments
• Guidance on importing and integrating artworks (visual, sculptural, audio, etc.)
• Opportunities to experience and analyse immersive 360° VR content
• Dedicated networking and 1-on-1 advisory time with Reality Bytes

Our Role

Reality Bytes Media co-developed and delivered the Lab Rats VR program in partnership with Immersive Light & Art. Our responsibilities included:

• Designing a flexible, artist-focused VR workshop series
• Teaching 3D modelling, VR gallery-building, and immersive world design
• Providing all VR equipment and hands-on technical support
• Delivering one-on-one guidance tailored to individual creative goals
• Showcasing original Reality Bytes VR experiences to inspire participants
• Creating an inclusive, collaborative environment for artistic exploration