A metaverse of Chinese traditional folk villages and houses with great aesthetic pleasure: A virtual world dedicated to the enthusiasts of life with art, culture, history and architectures

Rapid growth of 3D visualisation technology has led to the maturation of metaverse, bringing innovative and immersive experiences to travellers and representing tremendous potential for revolutionising the tourism industry. Advantages of metaverse, plummeting cost of technology and emerging supportive policies are jointly building up a very promising future of metaverse in tourism. Big companies worldwide are heavily investing in metaverse. In China, Tencent SSV Digital Culture Lab has initiated the annual project “Explore Metaverse Plan”, providing a communication platform and exhibition opportunity for the small and midsize players working on the digitalisation of cultural and artistic heritage. Google Art & Culture was launched in 2011, cooperating with 17 museums and in 2023, more than 2,000 museums in nearly 100 countries participated the program. In 2018, they cooperated with CyArk, launching the Open Heritage program, exploring iconic locations in 3D, on the frontlines against cultural destruction and protecting sacred sites at risk. Our business is to create a metaverse with 20 architectural kinds of traditional folk villages and houses from 16 Chinese provinces, offering virtual tours with possibility to enjoy details in real life or in historical records, aiming to partially solve the problem “a thousand cities with the same face”, frequently complained by domestic and abroad tourists traveling in China. This problem starts from Culture Revolution. Four Olds campaign destroyed phenomenal Chinese buildings and torn classical decorations and historical objects apart, removing more than 90 percent of cultural artefacts. In the 1970s, under the economic model of production first, living later , a large number of traditional houses were demolished, a group of simple brick-concrete houses was created. From 90s on, modern architecture from abroad further replaced the traditional houses. The study and protection of traditional residential buildings, once was numerous and widely distributed, become a salvage work. We want to join this effort, starting from 3D modelling of the architectures and neighbourhoods and creating a metaverse, offering immersive experience as a virtual form of old cities 1 that we memorise, smart ones that we hope to live and future cities that we eager to explore. Our first product is 3D Modelling Platform of Fujian Tulou Cluster. In 2008, Fujian Tulou was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. However it doesn’t stop young people abandoning Tulou and moving to modern buildings with more space, better lighting, running water, safe electricity and restroom, etc. Young people are no longer familiar with artisanal work and the craftsmanship gathered for centuries is gradually lost. Our metaverse not only models the physical sites and buildings, but also captures skills, knowledge, wisdom and memories. This thesis focuses on how to create the product and operate the project. The long-term significance is to understand the technique solutions and to facilitate the quick application of the learned lessons on other products, such as bamboo houses. In order to outperform our competitors and deter new entries, we focus on Content and Aesthetics, making them as our signature. Our strength is the multi-cultural and multi-profession team, covering several languages and life experiences in different continents. The main touch points of our business are travel inspiration and edutainment. Our two cash cow services are 1) field trips targeting at 9 to 14 years schoolers and offering tours as well as 3D modelling workshops; and 2) 24/7 virtual guide and language supports to non Chinese speaking visitors. We already have an oral commitment from one Hakka investor with $280,000 as start-up capital. The best scenario is this capital will support us until we reach the break-even in less than 2 years with the revenue generated from field trip service alone. Applying the same financial pattern on the rest of 19 products, the metaversa platform could generate the profit of$15 millions in the 10th year. Our business could also be financed by government entities and private foundations because the potential services in tourism market could have huge economic implications for societies. When the metaverse is equipped with the well modelled virtual houses and accurately designed Digital Twin towns, we will continuously create innovative, interactive and informative online and offline services and accordingly generate revenues

Present Time Company: A Global Media Entity dedicated to Documenting, Illustrating, and Expressing Art and Cultural Narratives from the Chinese Standpoint to the World

Present Time Company, a trailblazing entity at the convergence of innovative storytelling and diverse art and culture, aims to demystify the art world and make cultural experiences accessible to all. The company strategically blends Eastern and Western art perspectives, excels in dynamic content creation, and leverages social media adeptly in a competitive landscape. Opportunities arise from the burgeoning Asian art market, global interest in diverse cultural narratives, and thepotential for strategic partnerships. The marketing strategy focuses on brand awareness, audience engagement, and community cultivation, seamlessly integrating art into daily life through diverse content and strategic collaborations. The pricing model, reflecting transparency, includes freemium access, premium content, and tangible products like art books and limited-edition merchandise. Sales channels span major social platforms, influencer collaborations, and physicaloutlets like galleries. Marketing tactics encompass content creation, social media engagement, influencer collaborations, SEO strategies, and interactive campaigns, while meticulous media engagement targets both international and Chinese outlets. As an upcoming media company, Present Time Company emphasizes continuous monitoring, adaptability, and sustained user engagement to ensure success in the ever-evolving digital media landscape

BearBid

The art market in Asia is booming, with sales in 2022 reaching $18.9 billion. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing wealth of Asian collectors, the growing popularity of Western art in Asia, and the increasing availability of art education and information in Asia (Art Basel et al. 2023). There is a growing demand for auction houses that can provide a professional and trusted platform for buyers and sellers of art in Asia. This business plan outlines the establishment, operation and strategy for a new auction house, BearBid, that will focus on the Asian market. BearBid will offer a wide range of traditional art,including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, collectibles, antiques, and other valuable items, accompanied with a range of services, such as appraisals, valuations, and consignment management. Additionally, BearBid will also offer innovative collectables from celebrities’ collections and other collectibles that coincide with real world events and pop culture. The mission is to provide a platform for buyers and sellers to engage in transparent, secure, and efficient transactions while offering something more aligned with current events and trends. BearBid will target a wide range of clients, including collectors, dealers, museums, and institutions. It will focus on building relationships with clients and providing them with thehighest level of service, taking advantage of lower cost of operation in Thailand. It will also engage with international museums, galleries and auction houses for potential collaboration. The main target market for BearBid is high-net-worth individuals and celebrities in Asia to source, exhibit, promote and auction the most unique valuables for the clients. BearBid will differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a high level of service, a deep understanding of the Asian market, and a commitment to providing the best possible value for its clients. BearBid will focus primarily on its online platform, and it will target both local and international buyers and sellers. BearBid will generate revenue from commissions on sales, fees for appraisals and other services, and advertising. To launch the physical auction in the 2nd year, the revenue generated from live selling in the first year is expected to fund the cost of operation in the 2nd year

The Impact of AI in Gaming Industry

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the applicationof AI art in game development is becoming increasingly popular. AI art can not only help game developers speed up the creative process but also improve the visual quality and user experience of games. This paper provides an overview of the application of AI art in games, including character design, scene generation, animation production, and more. It also discusses the challenges and future directions of AI art. Through comprehensive analysis of existing research and practices, we find that AI art has tremendous potential in game development but still faces some technical and ethical issues. Therefore, further research and exploration of the application and limitations of AI art will contribute to theinnovation and development of the gaming industry

Royal Nomad

Royal Nomad is a groundbreaking art exhibition based on the theory of Nomadism. Nomadism–most famously argued by philosopher Rosi Braidotti–is a posthumanism theory that calls for the end of human exceptionalism and demands that humanity can be more inclusive towards people from different backgrounds, animals, the environment, and technology. This exhibition featured a wide variety of artists addressing this central theory in a highly-curated exhibition which advocates for a more inclusive world. The successful exhibition took place at an exceptional gallery space in August 2023 in South Florida. The exhibition featured 17 artworks from 14 artists from a wide variety of racial and gender backgrounds, which, as explained in my essay, is a core part of how this exhibition addressed Nomadism theory. Royal Nomad presented work by Aaron Taylor Kuffner, Kristy Luck, Daido Moriyama, Yoshitomo Nara, Eiji Ohashi, Otani Workshop, Tsuyoshi Ozawa, Sterling Ruby, Kiki Smith, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Jia Sung, Ana María Velasco, Roberto Visani, and David Zink Yi. All objects centered around the core theme of Nomadism, including the harmonious balance with people from different backgrounds, animals, nature, and technology. The types of artwork chosen were a wide variety of photography, sculpture, textile, editioned prints, and works on paper, underscoring a broad range of artistic styles and practices. By pushing the boundaries of inclusivity and advocating for a more equitable world, Royal Nomad invites the viewer to navigate the complexities of our world with empathy, mindfulness, and adaptability, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility

Art and Entertainment Collaboration: the Benefits and Challenges of Auction Houses Crossover Collaborations in the Global Art Market

Over the past decades, crossover collaboration has become increasingly importantin the contemporary art market as an effective strategy to reach a wholly new customer segment. This research focuses on the crossover collaboration between art and entertainment by exploring the partnerships between auction houses and singers. It uses a case study as a research methodology to analyze Sotheby’s partnerships with three famous singers, including Nigo, T.O.P., and Jay Chou, by which the auction house successfully entered the Asian art market. The research found that these examples have demonstrated Sotheby’s how has integrated crossover collaboration into its sustainable competitive advantages. The auction house leverages the powerful influences of these singers to touch with the younger digital consumers, the growing power in the art consumption market. Sotheby’s has set a good example for other galleries and auction houses about how to implement strategic crossover collaboration with singers to increase auction sales significantly

The Case of the Euphronios Krater: Issues of Provenance and Recommendations for Cultural Heritage Institutions

One of the major issues currently facing the international art community is repatriation, or the return of cultural property to its source nation or former owners. Currently, there is a call for objects to be repatriated to their source nations and many museums are contemplating their next course of action. Due to the discrepancies between how these claims are managed and the diversity of international legal standards and regulations, restitution cases are not solved by a single method. Efforts to address these claims by institutions have not been effective because they do not provide legally binding standards for institutions and are made on the assumption of “good faith.” To fully understand the issues currently dictating the way repatriation claims are handled, this paper uses the case of the Euphronios Krater as a starting point to investigate how and why these issues even occur. The paper provides a brief introduction to cultural property, the standards that currently exist in the form of international treaties, and the responsibilities of museums and their staff before offering a combination of solutions that aim to bridge the gap between cultural heritage institutions and the law. These solutions take a new approach of using museum-led initiatives that have legal repercussions

Layers of Identity: Unveiling the Asian-American Experience

In response to the evolving landscape where artists of color are increasingly securing their positions within the upper echelons of the art world, the acknowledgment of accomplished Asian diasporic artists with established legacies at the forefront of art history remains a challenging endeavor. Motivated by Michelle Yeoh\u27s groundbreaking Oscar win as the first Asian recipient of the Best Actress award, I would like to curate an exhibition that spotlights emerging female artists of the Asian diaspora currently residing in the United States. This exhibition will take the form of a group show of first- and secondgeneration female Asian American artists who weave cultural heritage with contemporary expressions, exploring the multifaceted experiences within the AsianAmerican diaspora. The participating artists—Stephanie Mei Huang, Tinglan Huang, Melissa Joseph, Christina Yuna Ko, Stephanie H. Shih, Anne Wu, and Hong Chun Zhang—span a diverse range of mediums, including film, yarn, felt, ceramic, Chinese ink, found object, and mixed media. Through these mediums, they interlace their cultural heritage and personal narrative, addressing the complexities of mixed heritage and the evolution of the Asian American sense of self in our increasingly globalized society. The title of the show “Layers of Identity” is a direct reference to the intention of this exhibition: explore the profound hybridity within the diaspora identity and illuminate the myriad layers in relation to cultural practice. Drawing on their unique cultural backgrounds, the artists investigate the connections and disjunctions between two or more cultures. Immersed in the material culture of Asian diasporic communities, they navigate the symbolic resonance of objects. Emphasizing the 4 intimacy, imperfection, tactility, and functionality of materials, these artists reveal how objects can transcend their physicality to become vessels of memory, culture, and identity. Rather than relegating Asian American art to a single style, their chosen mediums underscore the breadth of artistry available. They serve as poignant references to their Asian American identity, bringing attention to the intricate layers that shape our perception of culture and self. Rooted in the concept that the diasporic experience is inherently one of hybridity, the artists and their works collectively defy a definitive conception of Asian American art, offering novel perspectives on the threads that weave through the diaspora experience. The ultimate goal of this exhibition is to foster dialogue around the continually evolving nature of cultural identity, bridging gaps between communities of diverse backgrounds and inspiring a deeper exploration of the vast and prosperous diaspora experience. The exhibition will be on view from June 7th to August 10th, 2024, in New York City at Nunu Fine Art’s project space

Pearls of Power: Navigating Empire and Kingship in the Nineteenth Century in Qing Dynasty China and Victorian England

This thesis provides an academic exploration of the socio-cultural and political connotations of pearl jewelry during the Qing Dynasty in China and the Victorian era in England. It examines the symbolic prominence of the Eastern pearl within the Qing Dynasty’s hierarchical and imperial contexts, juxtaposing this with the emotional and personal resonance of pearl jewelry in Victorian England. The study employs an array of primary Chinese sources and insightful case studies to investigate the dynamics of pearl harvesting, consumption, and perception, thereby unveiling the diverse roles pearls played in these distinct societies. This comparative approach addresses a gap in existing research, offering insights into the complex relationship between nineteenth-century jewelry and the socio-political contexts of China and England. Structured into four comprehensive chapters, this thesis systematically unfolds the multifaceted significance of pearls, reflecting their varied implications in the contrasting cultural landscapes of Qing China and Victorian England. Each chapter is dedicated to elucidating a specific aspect of pearl jewelry, from its symbolic representation in court culture to its embodiment of personal sentiment, thus contributing to the broader academic understanding of antique jewelry pieces and their societal impac

Art Therapy Business Plan

The existing need or problem that my venture will address is the lack of access and affordability of art therapy services for people who need psychological and emotional support. Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses various forms of art, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., to help clients cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other mental health issues. Art therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment, where clients can explore their feelings, develop their skills, and build their resilience through art creation. However, art therapy services are often limited by the availability and cost of qualified art therapists, art materials and tools, and physical or virtual spaces. Many people who could benefit from art therapy may not have access to or afford art therapy services, especially in remote or rural areas, or in low-income or marginalized communities. My venture will address this need or problem by creating an online platform that connects clients with art therapists, and provides art therapy services through video calls, chat rooms, and apps. My product/service is an online art therapy platform that will change the way people produce, consume, or distribute art therapy. My platform will allow clients to access art therapy services anytime and anywhere, using their own devices and internet connection. My platform will also allow clients to choose from a variety of art forms, such as visual arts, music, dance, comedy, poetry, etc., and use digital art tools, such as online drawing, painting, or sculpting apps, to create their artworks. My platform will also allow clients to pay for art therapy services according to their income level and insurance coverage, using online payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, or cryptocurrencies. My platform will also allow clients to share their artworks and feedback with other clients, art therapists, and the public, creating an online community and gallery for art therapy