Animation Development Research Centre (ADRC)

Animation is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of creative endeavour and technical development. Some of the more visible applications of 3D computer animation are seen in animated sequences in feature films and television, digital special effects in feature films, computer games, computer animated simulation rides and interactive virtual environments. The expansion of the market and the application areas of computer animation are predicted to continue an explosive growth well into the century. This is an exciting, fast changing and rewarding area to be involved with. Well qualified professionals in this area are and will, in the foreseeable future, continue to be in great demand internationally and command substantial rewards

INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA:

The Interactive Digital Media Stream is a sequence of study that will deal with various modes for producing and presenting art that incorporates a range of digital media. The computer's ability to deliver a range of time-based media opens up exciting possibilities for artists. These modes will include disk-based works, online works and digital media installation and performance work.

COMPUTER ANIMATION:

The Computer Animation Stream at CNMA is designed to encourage students to develop their own personal vision. During their time at CNMA students are exposed to various animation techniques. These techniques build up their vocabulary so they are able to find an appropriate means of expression for their ideas. By the end of the program students have a strong identity of their own and are able to place their work in an historical and contemporary context. They also have the technical competence to realize an idea from beginning to end.

COMPUTER MUSIC:

The Computer Music Stream presents to students a wide-ranging investigation into the rapidly changing world of digital audio arts. The emphasis is on composition, history, signal processing techniques, digital interfacing, programming, aesthetics and presentation of computer music. Students will gain a solid foundation in the art form that will carry them into future computer music activities.

DIGITAL VIDEO:

Video as a digital medium in combination with the convergence of media has become incredibly diverse and crosses into many different media practices. (Interactive Cinema, 3D-Animation, Motion Graphics, Interactive Television, VJing, Internet Art, Computer Games, Virtual Reality, Mobile Experiences.) This Digital Arts program offers a way to develop innovative Digital Video practices

Aims and Objectives of ADRC:

The ADRC's aims and objectives are closely aligned with the Institute's Mission statement. To contribute to achieving this, the ADRC aims to promote, contribute to and support the under-researched discipline of animation theory. In its inter-disciplinary approach, it addresses both practice and theory in the fields of Arts & Media, Design and Visual Culture.
Development of the ADRC's resources and its research strategies are aligned to Learning and Teaching and Research Objectives. The ADRC is contributing to curricula for the Animation Programme which will further strengthen our programme's standing. It is also actively involved in recruiting graduate students. Remedying the international lack of theoretically informed curricula and the expressed need for the same is a strategic objective of the ADRC.

The aims of the ADRC are to:

" Promote the highest level of scholarly activity in the interdisciplinary field of animation studies
" Disseminate research undertaken under the auspices of the Centre to the widest possible audience
" House and promote a major collection of animation in its Archive
" Establish collaborations and secure external funding for ongoing development of the ADRC and its Archive
" Develop and support publications, learning materials, research holdings
" Organise conferences, workshops, visiting scholar appointments
" Integrate the above into learning materials and curricula
" Organise exhibitions, screenings, and events to attract both local communities and a wider public

The ADRC's short to medium term objectives are:

" Expanding the ARC Archive holdings
" Collaborations with academic projects in the national and international
" Continue development of the Archive digitisation project
" Development of on-line archive and other databases
" Inauguration of its peer-reviewed on-line journal
" Support of the Institute's research degrees programmes

Areas of Activity:

The ADRC engages in four interrelated areas of activity that contribute to realisation of its aims:
The ADRC Archive:

" Maintain and expand holdings of animation
" Develop and produce teaching and other support materials for animation curricula and other disciplines affiliate with international archival institutions

Conferences and events:

" Organise symposia and conferences
" Co-ordinate lecture series and one-off guest lectures
" Develop in-house and travelling exhibitions with collaborators
" Organise screenings in the national and at international festivals

Research projects:

" Develop projects of national and international level
" Develop methodologies and approaches to foster further research
" Invite visiting research fellows
" Make provision for research studentships and doctoral and post-doctoral assistantships
" Initiate interdisciplinary research clusters both in-house and nationally

Publications:

" Publish European research findings and conference outcomes electronically in the forthcoming ADRC Journal
" Develop an on-line archive and other databases
" Publishing other research and monographies in collaboration with publishing houses
" Publish teaching and learning materials developed by the ADRC

These endeavours, in turn, provide theoretical foundations to support and develop the Animation undergraduate curriculum, postgraduate studies and short courses. The research will also enhance and facilitate animation studies at both national and international levels.

For more information

Please contact:

PD@iirnd.org

Programme Director for CADR
IIRD

Copy rights: International Institute for Research & Development -IIRD, 2006