SIGGRAPH Asia 2023
5,690 total attendees (57% international)
90 + exhibitors
2,681 delegates from 47 countries
100+ student volunteers across 21 countries, speaking 36 languages
600+ speakers
900+ technical papers submitted
Overview
ACM SIGGRAPH Asia is an annual event which rotates around the Asian region, attracting the most respected technical and creative people from all over the world in research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies.
Held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) in Sydney, Australia from 12 – 15 December 2023, the conference attracted 5,690 attendees from over 47 countries. Themed "Connecting Stories" the 2023 conference engaged experts and academics in computer graphics, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies from all over the world gathering in Sydney.
Highlights
- Highlights included keynote speakers, Professor Jun Murai and Academy Award Winner Joe Letteri, along with innovative program packed with 600+ expert speakers.
- Doctorial Consortium for PhD Students and Educator’s Forum connecting industry professionals with academics and the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, open to Junior (8 - 13 yrs) and Senior (14 - 18 yrs) participants to inspire students to explore cutting-edge animation technology, nurture their technical skills for potential future education and careers.
- Demoscene, an immersive experience for the global computer art subculture, along with the Art Gallery showcasing works of excellence he fields of art, science, and technology inclusive of data visualisation, 3D printing, XR, robotics, AI, sonic, performative, NFT and media/interactive installation.
- Business & innovation Symposium, featuring thought leaders from multiple industries and backgrounds.
Why Sydney?
Sydney is the 7th top digital city in the world based on connectivity, services, culture and sustainability, with 45% of creative industry jobs based in New South Wales (NSW). Sydney is home to world-leading digital creative studios such as Animal Logic, Industrial Light and Magic and the southern hemisphere’s largest end-to-end production facility, Disney Studios Australia.
NSW is also home to a fast-growing digital games development sector, supported by an ecosystem of highly skilled programmers, artists, creative hubs and government, supporting to position Sydney as a strong host for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023.
Led by Sydney based Conference Chair June Kim, Lecturer, UNSW Art and Design. June has been involved with SIGGRAPH Asia Conference in a variety of roles over a decade, was well placed to host this year’s SIGGRAPH Asia in Sydney to ensure the delivery of outcomes for SIGGRAPH Asia, as well as memorable experiences for delegates and the SIGGRAPH Asia community.
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 will fortify New South Wales' status as a knowledge hub for creative industries. Championing youth, gender diversity, and cultural inclusivity across science, technology, engineering, arts, and design is a global imperative. This event will serve as a springboard for fresh initiatives to invigorate our local industry. We are thrilled to welcome to the world's foremost innovators whose ground-breaking contributions have shaped our industry. Their presence underscores the profound impact of SIGGRAPH Asia in nurturing the next generation of talent.
June Kim
Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 and Lecturer, UNSW, School of Art, Design and Architecture
Creating Impact
The Junior Computer Animation Festival
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 presented the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, an innovative program with a purpose to foster aspiring and emerging talent, creating the next generation of computer graphics animators.
With a broader mission to engage underrepresented demographics, including students living in remote or regional locations, girls, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, across the domains of science, technology, arts, and design, this initiative stands as a collaborative partnership with Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the NSW Department of Education, Fizzics Education, and illustrious partners.
Available for students in two categories, from year 8 – 13, and senior school students from 14 - 18yrs. The competition provided an opportunity to empower educators to upskill and deliver computer animation classes in the classroom, making computer animation an accessible curriculum.
Finalists enjoyed exclusive access to the SIGGRAPH Asia Computer Animation Festival, along with a tour of various segments like the Art Gallery, XR, and other relevant programs. The winning animations were displayed prominently throughout the event.
Engaging the next generation is not just a goal, but a necessity. Students that get involved in programs that are authentic are able to link to what’s happening in industry; these are the students that will have the highest impact.
Honorary Professor Scott Sleap
NSW Department of Education Officer, Program Leader STEAM Industry School Partnerships (SISP)
Doctoral Consortium
The SIGGRAPH Asia Doctoral Consortium served as a platform for PhD students to convene and engage in discussions about their research within a casual and interactive environment.
Themed Connecting Stories: You are not alone, the program entailed a concise 15-minute presentation of each student's work, which is followed by an in-depth discussion involving both the panel of experienced SIGGRAPH Asia researchers and fellow student participants. In 2023, nine excellent submissions were accepted including both technical and art papers.
We have had people from companies like ILM, NVIDIA and Weta FX who come (to Sydney) with global ideas they are prepared to share with the academics and the PHD students who are here (in Sydney). That makes it a very vibrant environment for the next generation of students and scholars.
Aaron Quigley
Science Director, and Deputy Director of CSIRO’s Data61, Doctoral Consortium Co-Chair Chair ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2023
