The Institute for Applied Creativity (IAC) empowers Texas A&M faculty to pursue bold, cross-disciplinary research, forge impactful collaborations and explore new frontiers of innovation.

Faculty can engage with IAC in a variety of ways, including participating in programs, forming research teams, connecting with a vibrant interdisciplinary community and accessing resources that support and elevate their scholarly work.

Facilities and Technology

At the Institute for Applied Creativity (IAC), we offer state-of-the-art facilities and technologies designed to empower artists, designers and researchers engaged in innovative, interdisciplinary work. Whether you’re experimenting with immersive media, exploring new realities or integrating AI into creative research, our spaces are here to support your vision. For assistance or access inquiries, please contact us at creativity@tamu.edu.

A student looks at images projected in front of him while he's seated in a room that has a 360-degree screen.

Igloo Studio

The Igloo Studio offers an unparalleled immersive learning environment featuring a room-scale 360-degree screen, made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil. This circular structure spans 22.5 feet in diameter and 11 feet in height, equipped with six high-resolution projection screens suspended from above. A specialized cooling system maintains comfort during extended sessions, and the space comfortably accommodates up to 10 participants. Ideal for immersive storytelling, data visualization and experiential design, the Igloo Studio is where ideas come to life in full surround.

Two students in the Visualization Immersive Reality Lab, one interacts with a screen and the other maneuvers a control while wearing a virtual reality headset.

VIRL (Visualization Immersive Reality Lab)

The Visualization Immersive Reality Lab (VIRL) is an innovative research and teaching space dedicated to exploring immersive interactions. It is located on the second floor of the Langford Architecture Center, Building C, providing students and faculty with a state-of-the-art environment for their explorations in immersive technology.

Student in a motion capture suit with a computer generated figure of his posed on a screen behind him.

Motion Capture

Our motion capture equipment (Rokoko) enables artists and researchers to record and analyze human movement with high precision. It supports applications in animation, performance studies, biomechanics and virtual production, bridging art and science through motion.

A student wearing haptic devices on his hands and a virtual reality headset in a classroom.

Haptic Devices

The IAC is equipped with multiple haptic gloves that allow students and researchers to feel and interact with digital environments through touch. These devices provide tactile feedback that simulates texture, resistance and force, helping users experience digital creations in a more immersive and realistic way.

A college student wears virtual reality goggles and holds VR controllers in her hands.

Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality

Explore virtual and augmented reality technologies that transform how we experience, design and communicate. The IAC offers advanced VR/AR systems for interactive installations, immersive learning and experimental storytelling.

A college student dances in an immersive environment, with artificial intelligence technology used to display his movements on the screen behind him.

Artificial Intelligence

The IAC integrates artificial intelligence into creative practice and research. From machine learning-driven art to AI-assisted design and data visualization, our facilities empower users to push the boundaries of what’s possible through computational creativity.

IAC Experts

Our network of artists and researchers work across disciplines to inspire innovation and meaningful impact. Discover potential collaborators or become part of our creative ecosystem by joining the IAC Fellows Program.

Faculty Collaboration and Research Support

The IAC supports faculty in exploring new ideas, prototypes and methodologies in a low-risk, resource-efficient environment. We tailor our support to meet specific research goals, timelines and outcomes, providing access to cutting-edge facilities, creative technologies and expert consultation.

Collaborations may range from concept development and ideation sessions to comprehensive interdisciplinary research projects, all designed to expand the possibilities of creative scholarship and applied innovation.

Collaboration Interest Form