Overview

The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, commonly known as EMPAC, is an arts and research facility located on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Opened in 2008, EMPAC was established to support work at the intersection of art, science and technology. It brings together live performance, digital media, and technical research under one roof, enabling artists and scholars to develop and present experimental projects that extend traditional categories of music, theater, film and visual art.

Facilities and technical capabilities

EMPAC houses a variety of spaces and specialized equipment designed for immersive and technically demanding work. The center includes at least one large, acoustically engineered performance hall, flexible black-box theaters, rehearsal studios, production laboratories and control rooms. Technical systems often used at EMPAC include high-resolution video projection, multichannel and spatialized audio playback and recording, programmable lighting rigs, and advanced digital media servers. These capabilities support site-specific installations, audiovisual concerts, dance productions, and research prototypes.

History and purpose

EMPAC was conceived as part of Rensselaer’s goal to promote interdisciplinary inquiry and innovation across the arts and sciences. Naming honors a major benefactor, Curtis R. Priem, and the center opened to the public in the autumn of 2008. Since its founding, EMPAC has emphasized residencies, commissions and collaborations that allow creators to experiment with new technologies and modes of presentation while also making facilities available to students and researchers.

Programs, residencies and public events

Programming at EMPAC ranges from premieres of new works to long-term research projects. The center hosts visiting artists, scholar-residents and ensembles who use the technical infrastructure to explore novel forms of expression. Public offerings often include concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, talks and workshops. EMPAC aims to present work that challenges audiences and advances professional practice in media and performing arts.

Importance and distinguishing features

What distinguishes EMPAC is its integrated model: performance venues coexist with laboratories and technical staff, enabling projects that require both artistic vision and sophisticated engineering. The center is frequently cited as an example of how a university-based institution can bridge creative practice and scientific inquiry. Its presence has contributed to Rensselaer’s reputation for fostering experimentation across disciplinary boundaries.

Further notes

EMPAC continues to evolve as technology and artistic practice change. Its emphasis on collaboration, technical innovation and public presentation makes it a notable site for contemporary media and performing arts in the region and beyond. For institutional information, schedules and visiting policies consult the Rensselaer resources linked on the campus website.

  • Location: Campus arts center at RPI, Troy, New York.
  • Opened: 2008 (public opening in October).
  • Focus: Experimental media, live performance, research and residencies.