El Cholaverso

Cholaverso is a multiplayer cyberspace where Indigenous communities can co-create their own virtual experiences, spaces and cultures using VR, AR and Web XR. Inspired by Neo-Andean/Amazonian futurism, this project challenges the dominant narratives of representation in cyberspace and celebrates the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures and languages.

+ Synopsis

Cholaverso is a multiplayer cyberspace that empowers Indigenous and communities to co-create their own virtual experiences, spaces and cultures. It is a collaborative project that involves teams from Bolivia, Paraguay and Australia, countries with rich and diverse Indigenous cultures and languages. The project will use VR, AR and Web XR technologies to create an architectural infrastructure that supports community-driven content creation and data sovereignty. In Cholaverso, users will be able to explore, play, celebrate and connect with each other in a visually stunning virtual world that reflects their cultural identities and values. The project’s aesthetic is inspired by Neo-Andean/Amazonian futurism, a fusion of traditional motifs and popular culture with technology. Through this project, we aim to challenge the dominant narratives of representation in cyberspace and create a space where we can express ourselves authentically and meaningfully.

To co-create this cyberspace with our communities, we will use participatory design methods and tools that enable communication and collaboration across different languages and locations. We will also conduct research and consultation with experts and stakeholders to ensure that our project is culturally appropriate and respectful. We believe that representation in cyberspace is not only about skin color but also about culture, identity, language interaction and world building. By creating Cholaverso, we hope to contribute to the advancement of Indigenous digital rights and the preservation of our cultural heritage.