Hackathon Metaverse Navas: Innovation, inclusion, and virtual reality
Dates: December 4-5, 2024
Organized by: BeAnotherLab, in collaboration with ESPRONCEDA – Institute of Art & Culture, as part of the program: NEB & Inclusió
The Hackathon Metaverse Navas is part of the NEB & Inclusió program, an initiative driving technological innovation and social inclusion in the Navas neighborhood. This event brings together six students and professionals from the local community, selected for their artistic experience and social commitment, to explore the potential of the metaverse and virtual reality as tools for community transformation. Coordinated by the BeAnotherLab collective, the hackathon adopts the Embodied Narratives methodology, designed to create immersive experiences that foster empathy and celebrate the cultural diversity of the neighborhood.
What does the Hackathon involve?
During two intensive days, participants will work on the creation of one or two virtual reality narratives. Guided by the BeAnotherLab team, the process will include interactive dynamics that blend creativity, technology, and the unique life experiences of the participants themselves. The goal is to generate immersive experiences that reflect the cultural and social richness of Navas, strengthening the sense of community through virtual reality as a medium of expression.
Innovative methodology
The hackathon is based on the Embodied Narratives methodology developed by BeAnotherLab, which uses “body ownership” illusions in virtual reality environments to explore themes such as identity, inclusion, and social connection. This approach, previously applied in projects like The Machine to Be Another, transforms technology into a bridge for understanding and inhabiting the stories and emotions of others.
Beyond technology: the value of human experience
The event goes beyond technological development, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and respect for individual stories as drivers of social transformation. Through this hackathon, participants will discover how technology can be a powerful tool to connect diverse communities and generate social impact.
The hackathon will feature Daniel González Franco, co-founder of BeAnotherLab and an international leader in immersive experiences that foster empathy.
Bio of Daniel González Franco:
Daniel González Franco is a Spanish-Colombian interdisciplinary artist and researcher who combines art and technology to address social challenges. He is the creator of The Machine to Be Another, a virtual reality system internationally recognized for its social impact, with awards such as the European Social Innovation Competition Award and two honorary mentions at Ars Electronica. His hybrid VR and dance work, Eve, Dance is an Unplaceable Place, won the VR Grand Prize at the Kaohsiung Film Festival in Taiwan.
The Hackathon Metaverse Navas is a unique opportunity to experience how art, technology, and local stories can come together to build a more inclusive, empathetic, and connected society.
More information:
Follow us on social media for updates: @esproncedabcn
Learn more about BeAnotherLab at beanotherlab.org
