Unicorns & Unicorns Leads AR and AI Workshop in Collaboration with Inner-City Arts

Inner-City Arts, widely regarded as one of the nation's most effective arts education providers, has teamed up with Unicorns & Unicorns to host a Dia De Los Muertos workshop, 'Animated Mexican Folk Art.' Students had the opportunity to create a unique version of the Mexican folk-art creature, bringing their creations into the virtual world utilising 3D, AI and AR tools.

“Unicorns & Unicorns is providing Inner-City Arts’ students with access to cutting-edge technology, infused with a culturally relevant art-making experience,” says Collette Williams Alleyne, chief education officer at Inner-City Arts. “We are so happy our students are exploring valuable 21st-century skills, fostering their interest in the thriving Los Angeles creative economy.”

"Growing up in Los Angeles, my roots instilled in me the value of community at a young age,” shares Mike Gallegos, creative director at U&U. “While I’ve had the privilege of contributing to significant projects and winning a couple awards, none of this would be achievable without the unwavering support of my community. This is what inspires me to pay it forward, empowering and paving the way for upcoming talent in the arts.”

“AI and AR are rapidly growing fields in the tech world, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our expertise with the students at Inner-City Arts,” adds ECD and immersive director Sun Komen. “Introducing them to AI + AR tools, fostering their existing skills and talent and witnessing their wild creativity in action has been extremely rewarding for us Unicorns.”

Kevin Straw, director of commercial partnerships for 8th wall & Niantic expresses his gratitude, “Unicorns & Unicorns consistently deliver dynamic and innovative work, and the Day of the Dead 8th Wall project serves as yet another prime example of their capabilities. We’re delighted to count them as regular 8th Wall developers and look forward to their continued collaboration with our platform.”

The class took a holistic approach to creating Alebrije figures and bringing them into the virtual world. Students were introduced to the history and meaning behind Alebrijes, then empowered to create their own Alebrije design. Students created paper figures and their own hand-painted wood Alebrijes, then brought their designs into the virtual world using Pro-Create to paint the UV textures on their 3D Alebrije. AI environments and backdrops were generated by the students to create a fully functional web-based AR experience featuring the students' Alebrijes.

Check out the AR worlds created by the class here.