Context, Practice and Technique in the Development of a Creative Curriculum

This paper explores ideas in relation to the design and delivery of a university level curriculum aimed at producing computer artists. Theessential principle is that the organisation of the film industry is a useful paradigm, and that the paradigm can be used as a tool in the designand delivery of this kind of curriculum. The education of graduates destined for the “new media” industries is complex. A particular problemis to achieve balance between development of technological skills on the one hand and artistic and creative development on the other. The challenge for educators is that many students are motivated by acquiring technical expertise and may not realise the importance of artistic and creative development. Comparisons with the world of film are used to address the problem of balance. The background to this approach is discussed and some preliminary results, in terms of student attitudinal change, are described