Urban Jungle is a smartphone augmented reality (AR) platform developed especially for Coventry’s City of Culture year that hosts a series of virtual performances by established and up-and-coming talent – from spoken word and grime artists to dance and circus performers. Viewed using a smartphone or mobile tablet, Urban Jungle uses innovative but accessible technology to raise the profile of young talent, offering them a platform in high-profile locations across their city. 

The original pilot version was showcased in key locations across Coventry City centre which then led to a scaled-up version being commissioned and produced by two Birmingham creative businesses, Rebel Creatives and JellyBob, especially for CVX Festival. It features content from the original pilot, plus new virtual performances appearing at the festival. The project acts like the virtual companion to CVX: “a festival of art and performance in your pocket”.

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Urban Jungle is the result of collaborations with Coventry University, Birmingham City University, and ‘Positive Realities: XR for Youth Wellbeing’; an innovation programme that challenged regional companies to come up with an idea that uses immersive tech (AR/VR) to positively impact young people’s self-esteem, delivered in partnership by Coventry City of Culture Trust, StoryFutures Academy and Create Central.

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