A Paradigm Shift and Defining Moment in the 21st Century: Fuelled by the convergence of computational culture, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, arts and culture are experiencing a revolutionary moment poised to change human life and society on a global scale. There is the promise of the Metaverse, with extended reality (XR) and immersive virtual worlds. For the first time, reality and virtuality are merging with these new developments. The proposed book is among the first to address the context, complexity, and impact of this multi-faceted subject in detail – for up close and personal engagement of the reader, while evoking a landscape view. As digital culture evolves to computational culture, we embark on a digital journey from 2D to 3D, where flat computer screens for the Internet and smart phones are evolving into immersive digital environments. This is while new technologies and AI are increasingly embedded in every aspect of daily life, the arts, and education.
