MFA in Computational Studio Arts
Additional information
at Kinetica Art Fair in London in March 2009.
Mixing scientific and artistic thinking to enrich digital technology, the arts and the creative industries.
The main purpose of the MFA in Computational Studio Arts is to nurture individual development and creativity.
This two year full time programme enables the progressive acquisition of independent learning skills, it offers the opportunity to discover and develop a wide range of creative and computing abilities to enable you to thrive as an independent practitioner (in art, sound, intelligent textiles, hypertext fiction, interactivity and narrative, performance and technology for example) and multi-disciplinary worker within visual culture and new digital forms of production and distribution.
Unique features:
A studio-based interdisciplinary programme in a purpose built space is provided for the development of your artistic practice, computational skills and a conceptual framework including group seminars, tailor made workshops, individual tutorials and a specialist course called 'Programming for Artists' taught by an artist practitioner. You will work with an eminent artist/designer/writer/curator through a specially designed ‘mentor class’.
Current mentors include Jane Prophet, Andrew Shoben (Greyworld), Maureen Thomas and Stanza.
The Department of Computing is a vibrant, innovative and challenging department at Goldsmiths, focusing on the advancement of computing in many different technological areas including artificial intelligence, biology and genetics, cognitive science, computer games and entertainment, computer music, computer vision, design, digital arts, archaeology and architecture, haptics as well as in computer science itself.
We are arguably Europe's leading department for the combination of mainstream computing research, and its creative and innovative application in key interdisciplinary areas.
Facilities: Digital Studios @ Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths Digital Studios has two sites: one, purpose built, as part of Goldsmiths' Ben Pimlott Building and one, in partnership with BT, in the Research Laboratories in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk.
Goldsmiths Digital Studios is a hub of radical experimentation, fundamental investigations and innovative practices, forging links between digital technologies and artistic practice. It is a crucible for original theories, new departures in the technological arts and pioneering, and commercially viable, sustainable software products.
The staff work closely with artists and digital media professionals - from the culture industries, film production, design consultancies, museums and galleries, interactive media content providers, software development houses, and hardware design laboratories - to explore and extend the use of today's digital technology and to define and implement the art and design technologies of tomorrow.
The Digital Studios @ Goldsmiths provide State-of-the-Art technologies in a large space which can accommodate post-graduate students, researchers, and visiting artists and research fellows.
The Digital Studios are in part located on the ground floor of the new Ben Pimlott Building, which recently opened (Spring 2005). The space has computer stations (Apple, Linux, MicroSoft), a state-of-the-art stereo system (for visualisation in 3D for large crowds), a state-of-the-art portable 3D laser camera (for 3D data acquisition).
The space is fully reconfigurable and is also used for events, exhibits of digital art works, seminars, etc.
Study:
This two-year full-time MFA programme has been designed to enable you to develop artistic practices and technical skills within a conceptual framework, so that you can participate in the creative development of the new technologies that are shaping our society at the highest level.
The MFA will equip you with a broad training in the use of the kinds of computing systems that are currently most important in a wide range of artistic, design and cultural practices and the creative industries, as well as technologies that are yet to emerge. You will also be offered a thorough grounding in contemporary theoretical debates, which will be expected to inform your practice. It is expected that graduates from an MFA in Computational Studio Arts will test the conventions of the white cube gallery, reconsider and revaluate artistic productions, their information structure and significance; engage in the museum sector whilst at the same time challenging the spaces for the reception of public art. In addition those who wish to increase an audience's interaction and enjoyment of their work have a firm grounding in artistic practice and computing skills.
You will also be able to collaborate meaningfully with technologists in a wide range of work, research and partnership frameworks within the Goldsmiths Digital Studios on campus and Goldsmiths Digital Studios East at BT, Ipswich.