New design chapter for ANU School of Art

The Australian National University (ANU) School of Art will increase its focus on new design programs from 2017 with new student programs led by innovators in digital and web design, as well as media arts.

 

The new ANU Design programs will include a range of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including Bachelor and Masters degrees in Design as well as research degrees at Masters and PhD levels. 

 

Head of the ANU School of Art, Associate Professor Denise Ferris, said the ANU Design program marked a new chapter and a new direction for the School.

 

“This is a reinvention of this school, but it’s a reinvention that sticks to the intrinsic core of what this school is,” Associate Professor Ferris said.

 

“It’s about applied creativity, engagement and collaboration, as well as the art and craft of making.

 

“While other art schools are being closed and reduced, the ANU has demonstrated strong support for the School of Art and the future of tertiary art and design in Canberra and the region.”

 

The ANU Design program will be headed by Dr Geoff Hinchcliffe and Associate Professor Mitchell Whitelaw, who have been pioneers of new forms of digital and web design.

 

Dr Hinchcliffe, a School of Art alumnus, has had a career spanning print, TV, web and interactive media, and his research focuses on new practices in digital design and innovative web-based forms. 

 

Associate Professor Whitelaw has a strong focus on new media art and culture, especially generative systems, data-aesthetics, and digital cultural collections.

 

Since 2010 he has worked with partners including the Asia Art Archive, Canberra Museum and Gallery, the State Library of Queensland, the State Library of New South Wales, the National Archives of Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia.