Bringing Art to Life: Augmented Reality at Mizzou’s Arts After Hours

Each fall, the University of Missouri’s campus comes alive with creativity at the annual Arts After Hours event. This vibrant celebration showcases the incredible talent found within Mizzou’s arts community, featuring performances from theater, music, and the band, as well as exhibitions from textile apparel management, architecture, and multiple museums and galleries. This year, the event is set to be even more immersive and innovative, thanks to the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology.

Students from Mizzou’s School of Visual Studies have been commissioned to develop AR experiences that will bring artwork and buildings to life, transforming how attendees engage with their surroundings. Using smartphones or AR-enabled devices, visitors will be able to see static works of art transform with animation, historical buildings reveal hidden stories, and interactive digital layers emerge in real-time.

Enhancing the Arts with AR

Augmented reality has the power to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, offering a fresh perspective on traditional art forms. At Arts After Hours, AR will be used to:

• Animate Static Artworks: Paintings and sculptures will gain new dimensions as digital overlays bring movement and narrative depth to each piece.
• Reveal Hidden Histories: Buildings on campus will showcase their historical evolution, allowing attendees to witness architectural transformations over the years.
• Create Interactive Experiences: Guests will be able to engage with installations in unique ways, such as scanning a piece of art to unlock behind-the-scenes insights from the artists themselves.

A New Frontier for Student Creators

This initiative not only enhances the event experience but also provides students in the School of Visual Studies with a platform to experiment with cutting-edge technology in the arts. By blending AR with traditional artistic disciplines, these students are exploring new possibilities in storytelling, design, and interactive media. Their work represents the intersection of art and technology, showcasing Mizzou’s commitment to innovation in creative fields.

The Future of Events and AR

The integration of AR into events is a game-changer for the industry, offering new ways to engage audiences and create unforgettable experiences. Event planners can take inspiration from Arts After Hours by exploring how technology can elevate their own events—whether through interactive installations, immersive storytelling, or real-time digital enhancements. By collaborating with artists and technologists, event professionals can push the boundaries of what’s possible, making events more dynamic, engaging, and memorable.

As AR technology continues to evolve, its potential in the event industry will only expand. Now is the time for planners to embrace these innovations and rethink how audiences interact with their events. The future of experiential events is here—are you ready to bring your vision to life?

Kyla Dunn, Director of Events, Engagement and Outreach at the University of Missouri