At a moment when many worry about AI and automation, Lincoln Center’s Collider Fellows explore how tech could transform the performing arts by reimagining creativity itself. The fellowship brings together multi-disciplinary artists who use tools like AI, VR, and immersive sound to push the boundaries of live performance.
This fall, Lincoln Center announced its second class of Collider Fellows — six innovative artists working at the intersection of art and technology. Their projects range from virtual reality storytelling to artificial intelligence-driven performances, showing how technology can expand what’s possible on stage.
Why Lincoln Center Is Betting on Tech in the Arts
Jordana Leigh, Lincoln Center’s vice president of programming, says the fellows are “thoughtful people who see technology as part of a larger conversation in arts and culture.” Instead of fearing change, the program encourages artists to treat emerging tech as just another creative tool — like a paintbrush or a sound mixer.
While AI sparks global debate, Leigh remains optimistic. She believes artists are uniquely positioned to use it responsibly, turning innovation into meaningful cultural experiences. For some, she says, “technology is finally catching up to their vision, not the other way around.”
Showcasing the Possibilities of Art + Tech
One recent commission illustrates this vision: Dream Machine by Nona Hendryx. The project used AI, VR, and augmented reality to immerse visitors — especially Black and Brown audiences — in Afrofuturist environments.
By merging performance with cutting-edge tech, Dream Machine demonstrated how artists can help underrepresented groups see themselves in technology. For Leigh, this kind of work proves that art and innovation can inspire belonging and inclusion.
What Collider Fellows Mean for the Future of Performance
The Collider Fellowship isn’t just about experimenting with gadgets. It’s about expanding who gets to tell stories, how audiences experience them, and how the performing arts stay relevant in a digital-first world.
As Leigh puts it, “the more people who are part of the conversation, the better the conversation becomes.” By supporting diverse artists, Lincoln Center ensures that technology in the arts doesn’t replace humanity — it enhances it.
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