Council leader backs city-based tech project

THE LEADER of Dundee City Council has thrown his weight behind a new multi-million pound research facility for the visual arts based in the city.

John Alexander has welcomed Abertay University's leading role and investment in the Convergent Screen Technologies and Performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) programme as work gets underway.

He said: “By building on the skills, experience and expertise we already have and are currently developing in the city from the Games Industry, Dundee is now at the heart of the next generation of research and development for screen and performance technology.

“Through its many partnerships and collaborations Abertay University is in pole position to help boost the city’s economy and reputation as a creative and cutting-edge place to live, work and do business.”

The Convergent Screen Technologies and Performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) programme is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Led by Abertay University the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, in Dundee is a partnership with the University of Edinburgh, Interface, Chroma Developments, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme.

It will provide infrastructure to conduct world-class research and development in screen and performance technology for researchers, companies and institutions across the UK.

The project will focus on virtual production - a new cinematography technique which uses computer-generated imagery (CGI), augmented reality and motion capture to create virtual film and performance sets.

Supported with £75.6 million of funding from AHRC along with private investment, it will encourage the design, development and creation of state-of-the-art facilities, resources and expertise to underpin the long-term competitiveness of the sectors.

The primary CoSTAR Realtime Lab is being built at Water’s Edge in Dundee.