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CoSTAR Live Lab
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CoSTAR Live Lab

Redefining the future of live performance.

CoSTAR Live Lab is a state-of-the-art research and development facility for the UK’s creative industries, developing cutting-edge technology solutions to revolutionise live performance experiences, fuelling significant growth in the UK economy and job market.

Live Lab is part of CoSTAR: Convergent screen technologies and performance in real time - a £75.6m national research and development network of laboratories that are developing new technology to maintain the UK’s world-leading position in gaming, TV, film, performance, and digital entertainment sectors. 

Delivered by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Arts and Humanities Research Council, the programme is supporting new innovations and experiences that will enrich UK’s creative industries, economy, and culture.

Learn more about CoSTAR Live Lab and open collaboration calls at the CoSTAR website

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Our mission is to redefine the future of the creative industries by providing world-class facilities and fostering collaboration between academics, industry professionals, and performers. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live, hybrid, and virtual performance experiences, and we are excited to see the transformative impact this work will have on the UK’s creative landscape.

A joint statement by Professor Helena Daffern and Professor Gavin Kearney.

https://youtu.be/kA82hjqvK9U?si=hcaZ2Xn_Wt4JCS6C

CoSTAR Live Lab

  • Enables the development of cutting edge research and novel technologies shaped by the needs of the industry.
  • Supports start-ups and high growth enterprises from technology ideation through to product acceleration.
  • Delivers an Access Programme to enable public and industry participation in research and development activities, workshops, networking events, technology showcases, lectures and symposia.
The CoSTAR building near Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Facilities

The Lab's facilities feature dedicated spaces for advancing live performance systems and user experience across screen, stage, and the metaverse. Live Lab drives novel innovations in virtual production workflows including:

  • User Experience Laboratory
  • Acoustically isolated Network Performance Studios
  • ‘Future Venues’ main stage experimental performance space
  • High resolution motion capture systems (marker and markerless)
  • Immersive audio and visual provision throughout all spaces
  • VR and XR displays and technologies
  • Biometric data capture systems
  • LED Virtual Production Volume
  • High Performance Computing infrastructure
  • Private 5G Network

Support

CoSTAR Live Lab provides comprehensive support to creative professionals, researchers, and industry by offering state-of-the-art facilities, expert knowledge guidance, and a collaborative environment for developing new technologies and workflows.

The lab is dedicated to creating sustainable and accessible innovations  in live performance, helping to advance projects from concept to execution, and fostering new ideas that will shape the future of the creative industries.

Partners

Megaverse
Screen Yorkshire
Vodafone

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