Cultural & Innovations : Virtual Reality
Discover the role of digital innovation in the cultural sector.
Virtual reality is becoming increasingly prominent in our society. In France, this digital tool is developing rapidly and is extensively
used in the cultural sector, while also making significant inroads into education, which directly impacts Alliance Française de Perth as
the Home of French Language and Culture.
First, a bit of history...
The history of virtual reality
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A pivotal moment came in 2014 when Facebook acquired Oculus for $2 billion, leading to the commercial launch of the Oculus Rift in 2016. This marked the democratization of VR, as companies like HTC, Sony, and Samsung began making headsets more accessible.
The VR market has grown significantly, reaching $1.8 billion in 2020 and projected to hit $6.9 billion by 2025.
Affordable, standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 2 have transformed the industry, solidifying VR’s role in
entertainment and technology.
The use of virtual reality, The French's model
Virtual reality (VR) is transforming the way we experience heritage and culture in France. It is increasingly being utilized in the
cultural sector to enhance engagement and accessibility for various purposes.
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- Enhancing visitor experience
One primary goal of VR in cultural contexts is to create immersive experiences that captivate visitors. Visitors can interact with art and
history in innovative ways. For example, museums such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre enable users to virtually explore artworks,
historical artifacts, and significant sites, fostering a deeper appreciation of their collections.
- Accessibility and inclusion
VR also aims to make cultural experiences more accessible. By providing virtual tours and interactive exhibits, institutions can reach
audiences who may not be able to visit in person, such as individuals with mobility issues or those living far from major cultural hubs.
- Preservation of heritage
VR serves as a tool for preserving and showcasing cultural heritage. By digitally documenting and recreating historical sites, VR can help
protect fragile or endangered locations while allowing people to explore them from anywhere in the world. This digital preservation ensures
that future generations can experience and learn about France’s rich history.
- Innovation in cultural events
Cultural festivals and events, such as Laval Virtual, highlight the potential of VR to innovate how art and culture are
presented. These events not only showcase new technologies but also encourage collaboration between artists, technologists, and cultural
institutions, fostering creativity and new ideas.
- Educational opportunities
Another objective is to enhance educational initiatives. Schools and educational programs are increasingly using VR to teach students about
French history and culture in an engaging way. These immersive lessons can foster a more profound interest in the arts and humanities,
encouraging younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage.
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Alliance Française de Perth is actually one such institution leading the way as one of our
teachers has effectively used virtual reality headsets in French courses, resulting in great success. |
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