cross platforms project terri mcmanus [rachel dickson] Belfast School of Art

context

The project takes advantage of the growth of smartphones and digital tablets to market and promote a new degree program through student work.

It achieves this through a combination of proven technology, marketing and promotional approaches. The project model is currently being piloted within the Contemporary Applied Art (CAA) course, but could equally benefit other disciplines.

two part project The website promotes the work of the graduating third years for one full year. The DVD illustrates the CAA ethos and structure. Both elements were premiered during the End of Year exhibition. The combination of the website, DVD and exhibition increased the lifespan of the students End of Year Show display.

website* The name was chosen by the Course Directors – ‘Craft in the making’.Craft in the making This provides a forum for students to describe their professional practice through their own words and images. This theme underpinned the DVD content. For example the DVD plots the journey of the students progress from concept to final composition.

dvd* WORK in the making – Plots the cycle of the creative process at tertiary level. Developing the idea. ART in the making - Realisation of the idea through the use of appropriate skills and techniques within CAA. Fabrication of the idea. SHOW in the making – Consideration and arrangement of work for professional exhibition. The importance of setting and presentation. Promotion of the idea. CRAFT in the making – Advertising all of the above through the website. Why chose CAA? – Building on the awareness generated from the above points, interested individuals can view the Joint Course Directors describing the philosophy of the new degree programme.

outcomes of pilot students:

what Online platform for one year after graduation. This platform will provide an affiliated space with the university for networking and display of students and degree programme work. Involvement of ‘first year’ student from the BDes Hons Design for Interaction and Animation course to help shoot footage and gain professional experience.

how Online presence, with accompanying DVD, as well as links to additional social media facilities, (facebook, twitter, pinterest). The Quick Response (QR) codes also provide a swift accessible ‘point and scan’ option to access a specific student.

outcome Students comments regarding the whole experience, was extremely positive. They valued the added involvement from the staff in generating and providing this promotional tool. Flexible use of technology in exhibition setting.

staff* What : Design and control of website and DVD content tailored to the new degree programme. How : Supplementary assets were generated to populate the website and DVD. High quality photographs, interviews and imagery were collated and edited.

outcome The team responsible, fully contributed to all aspects of the project. This approach to the scheme embraced collective ideation by exercising a ‘What if’ approach. For example; QR codes, time-lapse, master class interviews, student interviews, up-to-date course news. It also provides an opportunity for staff to reconnect with ethos of course.

course What: The website and DVD provide a display area where potentially interested students can view and access both conceptual and practical methods used within the new degree programme. How: Creation of the specialised promotional tool (website and DVD) for the new course. Outcome: Potential students and funding anxious parents could view first-hand elements of the degree course. This transparent approach demystifies what the course has to offer.

SCHOOL: Promotion of the full range of courses that the school has to offer through affiliation. FACULTY: This pilot could provide a useful framework for other similar courses to implement. UNIVERSITY: Generate interest with UU Alumni. Short part-time or night courses which introduce emerging techniques or new technology with traditional methods.

PARENTS: Engagement and support of students after graduation. Evidence of ‘value for money’, in relation to skills/ fees ratio. Provision of professional external opportunities. Indication of the course teams dedicated to the student experience and graduation hereafter. APPLIED ARTS INDUSTRY: Building relations with industry through advertising at exhibition, website or DVD.