PNCA Embraces the Hybrid-Moving Image and Launches New Contemporary Animated Arts Program

Release date: 04/08/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2010

CONTACT:
Leslie Miller, External Relations Specialist
Pacific Northwest College of Art
lmiller@pnca.edu 503.821.8959

Ann Hudner, VP Communications + Public Programs
Pacific Northwest College of Art
ahudner@pnca.edu 503.821.8894

PNCA Embraces the Hybrid-Moving Image and Launches New Contemporary Animated Arts Program

PORTLAND, OREGON – April 8, 2010 – Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) is pleased to announce that the College has approved a new Contemporary Animated Arts BFA program, the first of its kind in the United States, to begin in the Fall 2010 semester.

Contemporary Animated Arts embraces the hybrid-moving image by combining fine art practice and digital technologies. At a time when the boundaries between live action, animation, painting, photography, illustration and design are dissolving, an interdisciplinary fine art approach encourages students to re-imagine and create frame-based work for multiple platforms. Contemporary Animated Arts combines theory and practice while supporting research, risk taking and collaborative practice. The interdisciplinary approach inherent in contemporary moving image arts leads students to construct images from many sources including: live action, models, photography, objects and textures.

Contemporary Animated Arts engages students from diverse practices—photography, sculpture, illustration, painting and animation—with a focus on composing serial frames as a means to express an idea through structure, pace and rhythm and the interplay between image and sound. Further studies provide in-depth opportunities for informed research and creative exploration in making and presenting moving images as single and multi-channel works in a range of screening environments.

Department Chair Rose Bond says of the new program, “Contemporary Animated Arts will reinforce moving image education through research and practice, with the aim of creating artists, innovators and directors who explore the potentials of narrative. This unique course of study will advance a new generation of multi-disciplinary artists.“

About Pacific Northwest College of Art
Since its founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connect students to a global perspective in the visual arts and design. In addition to its eight Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, PNCA offers graduate education with an MFA in Visual Studies, as well as an MFA in Applied Craft and Design developed in collaboration with the Oregon College of Art and Craft. PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural life through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and internationally recognized visiting artists, designers and creative thinkers. With the support of PNCA+FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), the College has a partnership with the nationally acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Craft. For more information, visit www.pnca.edu.