Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)

Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). A world-renowned center for art, science, and technology, EMPAC is a landmark facility of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Its mission is to support the creation of new work at the intersection of emerging technology, digital media, and the performing arts. The center provides state-of-the-art venues and production resources for artists, researchers, and performers from around the globe.

History and founding

The concept for EMPAC emerged from a strategic vision by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute president Shirley Ann Jackson to create a unique interdisciplinary hub. Planning and fundraising for the project began in earnest in 2004, with the goal of constructing a facility without peer for immersive audio-visual experiences. The center was designed by the acclaimed firm Grimshaw Architects, led by Nicholas Grimshaw, known for projects like the Waterloo International railway station. After a multi-year construction process, EMPAC officially opened its doors in October 2008, immediately establishing itself as a critical venue within the international media arts landscape. Its founding director was Johannes Goetz, who helped shape its initial artistic and technological direction.

Architecture and facilities

The EMPAC building is a striking architectural statement on the edge of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus, overlooking downtown Troy, New York and the Hudson River. The design by Grimshaw Architects features a dramatic cantilevered structure and extensive use of glass, concrete, and steel. Its interior houses four primary performance and research venues acoustically isolated from one another. These include a 1,200-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a studio with a 40-foot high ceiling for large-scale installations, and a cube-shaped immersive video and audio environment. Supporting facilities encompass advanced research labs for spatial audio, motion capture, and computational visualization, alongside artist residencies and production workshops.

Artistic and research programs

EMPAC’s programming is built on a dual commitment to artistic commissioning and scientific research, often blending the two. Its artistic program commissions and presents pioneering work across disciplines like contemporary music, dance, theater, and time-based visual art, with a focus on integrating computational systems and novel interfaces. The research initiative collaborates with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute faculty, such as those from the School of Architecture and the Department of Cognitive Science, on projects involving immersive simulation, data sonification, and human-computer interaction. A robust residency program hosts figures from STEAM fields, providing them with technical and curatorial support to develop ambitious new projects that challenge conventional forms.

Notable events and commissions

Since its opening, EMPAC has been the site of numerous landmark productions and world premieres. It has staged concerts by avant-garde composers like John Zorn and Steve Reich, and presented dance works from choreographers including Bill T. Jones and Ralph Lemon. Significant commissions include large-scale digital installations by Ryoji Ikeda and immersive theater works by The Builders Association. The center has also hosted major academic conferences such as the International Computer Music Conference and serves as a regular venue for the New York State Music Fund initiatives. These events consistently draw audiences from the Capital District and international visitors, cementing its cultural impact.

Governance and affiliations

EMPAC operates as an integral division of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, under the institute’s overall administration and board of trustees. Its funding derives from a combination of institutional support, private philanthropy, and grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. The center maintains collaborative partnerships with global institutions such as the Ars Electronica festival in Linz and the Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe. These affiliations facilitate artist exchanges, co-commissions, and shared research, extending EMPAC’s influence within the international network of organizations dedicated to art and technology.

Category:Performing arts centers in New York (state) Category:Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Category:Buildings and structures in Troy, New York Category:Arts and technology organizations