Event Details
When: During the Symposium lunch break – Thursday 13 November, 12.30-1.30pm and Friday 14 November, 12.30-1.30pm
Where: Meeting point: Chau Chak Wing Auditorium. The group will walk over to the UTS Data Arena, CB.11.02.101, 81–117 Broadway, Ultimo.
Register: Places are limited – register for free tickets via the Symposium registration page.
This prototype demo explores “Spirits of the Hoey,” a digital humanities project that uses immersive technology (specifically Unreal Engine and the UTS Data Arena) to resurrect and recreate the infamous Hopetoun Hotel, a now-defunct Sydney music venue known as ‘The Hoey’. The project virtually recreates the venue’s vibrant atmosphere using photogrammetry, 3D modelling, Game Engines, AI and oral histories through over 80 video and audio interviews. It explores its significance as a cultural incubator. “Spirits of the Hoey” uses cutting-edge technology to preserve memory and reimagine a lost cultural space, demonstrating the potential of such digital tools for public history. It bridges the humanities and creative practice by combining historical research, digital artistry, and immersive storytelling to foster deeper engagement with history and memory. The experience invites audiences to explore the Hoey’s past and consider its relevance to contemporary cultural industries, particularly live music. This prototype demonstrates how “Spirits of the Hoey” contributes to a richer understanding of Sydney’s cultural heritage while highlighting the potential of digital humanities projects to connect with diverse audiences and foster a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape.
This event is held in association with the Australian Academy of the Humanities’ 56th Annual Academy Symposium | The Humanities & creative practice and showcases the work of:
- Dr Gregory Ferris
- Dr Liz Giuffre
