The University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, together with the Schools of Art, DxArts, Drama, Music, and Architecture, have launched a new interdisciplinary center of research and education, called the Animation Research Labs (ARL). Core support for the ARL comes from the Advanced Technology Initiative, a collaborative undertaking of the University of Washington, Washington State University, and the Washington State Legislature.

The mission of the Animation Research Labs is to advance the state of the art in animation through research, teaching, and computer-animated production. This Animation Production site has been developed to showcase the classes and outreach events that have been sponsored as part of the Animation Research Labs.

In 2018, the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering created the Reality Lab. Shortly after, the Reality Studio for VR/AR production was added. The Reality Studio extends the mission of ARL to include effective production and storytelling techniques for immersive environments.