A new partnership will see Goldsmiths, University of London working closely with Kyoto University in Japan to help foster creativity and knowledge sharing between the two organisations.

The universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as they co-chaired the inaugural Future Mind International Symposium held at Goldsmiths. The symposium shared the MoU's goals to explore the future of creativity through art and technology. 

The agreement will see the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths aligned with the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability at Kyoto University. In particular the agreement will promote:

• Exchange of publications and information material
• Exchange of students
• Exchange of faculty members and researchers
• Joint seminars and meetings

The MoU was signed by Professor Kaoru Takara, Dean, Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability at Kyoto University and Professor Mark d’Inverno, Pro-Warden (International Development) at Goldsmiths on 18 September 2017.

The signing was attended by His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador Mr Koji Tsuruoka.

Also in attendance was Patrick Loughrey, Warden of Goldsmiths, and Dr Juichi Yamagiwa, President, Kyoto University.

Mr Loughrey said: “Joining with Kyoto University will help us both explore new forms of creativity and allow us to learn from one another. This is an exciting moment and I look forward to seeing the work we produce together over the coming years.”

Dr Yamagiwa said: “Collaboration with Goldsmiths opens opportunities for creative, interdisciplinary collaboration bridging science, art, and advanced technology, which is vital for our institutional mission of pursuing harmonious coexistence within the planet’s human and ecological community."

The MoU signing took place on Monday 18 September 2017 during the inaugural Future Mind International Symposium. Some 200 delegates attended the event at Goldsmiths which explored art and technology in the future.

The conference was co-chaired by Professor William Latham, from the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths, and Professor Naoko Tosa from the Graduate School of Advanced Intergrated Studies in Human Survivability at Kyoto University.

Presenters at the all-day event included Conrad Bodman, Head of Film Interpretation at the British Film Institute and curator Professor Sherry Dobbin.