About
Montreal has emerged as a global leader in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital arts, creating a vibrant ecosystem that fuses technology with creativity. The city is home to a thriving tech scene, with companies, studios, and research centers pushing the boundaries of immersive media. Montreal’s creative culture, fueled by government support and access to talent from top universities, has attracted major players in VR and AR development, includingGeniusXR and Moment Factory. These companies, along with numerous independent creators and startups, produce groundbreaking work that spans entertainment, gaming, education, and art installations, making Montreal a hub for innovation in immersive experiences.
Beyond commercial applications, Montreal’s commitment to integrating VR, AR, and digital arts into the community highlights its unique approach to technology as a tool for social and cultural impact. Institutions like the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) provide platforms for experimentation and public engagement, where artists and technologists collaborate on projects that challenge traditional boundaries of storytelling and art. SAT’s Satosphere, a 360-degree immersive dome, is an iconic example, offering audiences an unparalleled multisensory experience and serving as a training ground for creators in spatial and immersive design. Additionally, Montreal’s innovative art installations and interactive public spaces demonstrate the city’s vision for digital arts as part of everyday urban life. This dedication to both industry and community has solidified Montreal’s position as a global leader in the evolving fields of VR, AR, and digital arts.
AR & VR
BCA students will tour GeniusXR Located in Montreal, GXR LAB features a state-of-the-art Volumetric capture studio equipped with 82 Sony RX0II cameras and a high-tech lab.
This comampany capture still images for photogrammetry and 4K video for 3D animations, producing versatile content for images, videos, 3D models, AR, VR, and spatial content.
They currently currently have one of the fastest Photogrammetry Rendering pipelines, which also includes a local & cloud render farm.
Moment Factory
Through an exclusive collaboration with the world-reknowed Moment Factory, BCA students will tour the production studios, interact with artists and designers, and view one of Moment Factory's most iconic installations.
A Leader in Higher Education
Visit both McGill University and Concordia University. Attend special presentations by faculty doing AR/VR research, interact with BCA Alumni, meet with admissions, and take a campus tour of these two world-class international universities.
Cultural Experiences
Soak up the European feel of this cosmopolitan Canadian city! Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visit Mount Royal Park, explore food markets, and have some fun in the Old Port. You'll leave with a thorough feel of what it would be like to live in one of North America's most unique cities.
Logistics
Accommodations
We will be staying at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal, where students will stay in suites of three, each student having their own bed.
Meals
Breakfast will be at your leisure in our hotel each morning, lunch (not included) will be on the run, and dinners will be at some of Montreal's most exciting restaurants!
Transportation
We will be using a charter bus to travel from BCA to Montreal and back, but will be on foot or taking the Metro during our time in the city. There will be extensive walking, as that is the best way to see the city!
