Inaugural Cohort of BFA in Kinetic Imaging Students Begin Their Studies at VCUarts Qatar

Nine students make up the inaugural batch of students to specialize in Kinetic Imaging (KI) at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).

The new undergraduate program is designed to meet the growing demand for art and design education that explores new technology and media. 

The areas of study for these new students will include game design, 3D modeling and animation, creative coding (parametric design, generative art, artificial intelligence), sound (sound art, sound design), and interaction design (app design, user interface design). 

Students who study at VCUarts Qatar in Kinetic imaging will be prepared for industry jobs in game design, motion graphics, app design, and sound design; and/or artistic careers related to coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and sound. 

Abdelrahman Shaltout, one of the students in this inaugural cohort, noted the importance of the program in the current digital landscape.

He said, “I chose Kinetic Imaging for various reasons. First, in this current digital landscape, the program demonstrates the relevance of human-led creativity and decision-making in the use of technology and new media, highlighting the responsibility that designers have towards the community. Personally, as a designer, I feel this trait adds value to our creative process. Second, I have always been captivated by the complexity and depths of creative techniques, be it classical painting or video animation. This program will help me learn more about blending such techniques, and showcase my skills and originality as a designer.”

Naja Hijawi, another student of the inaugural cohort said she couldn’t wait to see what’s in store for them. She said, “Kinetic Imaging, with its focus on game design, is a contemporary major that reflects the future of design. I’m looking forward to learning sound design; it’s something I’m really interested in. I’m also looking forward to learning 3D design and animation. I feel excited to be part of this first generation of Kinetic Imaging students here and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us. It’s thrilling to know that we will be setting the stage for future generations of kinetic imaging aspirants.”

The new department will collaborate with and receive support from the Kinetic Imaging department at the University’s home campus in Richmond which is ranked number 5 in the new media category by U.S. News & World Report. 

Levi Hammett, Chair of the new BFA in Kinetic Imaging program, said, “The jobs of the future will require more than just technical skills and training. Industries such as Game Design, App Design, and the many Cultural Production sectors, will require highly creative individuals who can balance the technical aspects of the disciplines with the design and creative thinking strategies that are key to driving innovation. This new program at VCUarts Qatar will train the next generation of innovative creatives who will be prepared to work in the emerging and high-growth industries that will be at the center of the creative economies of the future.”

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging is a highly flexible major, offering the opportunity to build a more individualized study that includes other studio and intellectual interests. The program’s curriculum offers seven area electives and four free electives that provide room for diverse and interdisciplinary learning experiences. 

As with other fine art undergraduate programs at VCUarts Qatar – Graphic Design, Interior Design and Painting + Printmaking – those interested in pursuing a BFA in Kinetic Imaging need to first complete a one-year Art Foundation program, which will teach them critical skills in creativity, artistic practice, and design thinking. 

This program will support a range of studies and allow students to focus on specific areas of practice within emerging media and technology. The program will cater to students who want to pursue either design careers in leading industries or artistic careers exploring media and technology. 

The new program is a natural progression for this art and design school; over its 25-year history, the University’s faculty, alumni and students have been making headlines for their immersive, interactive and often award-winning projects that have been installed across Qatar and abroad. In fact, students, alumni and faculty regularly take part in festivals and exhibitions that focus exclusively on new media and technology – more recently, the University debuted at the world-renowned Ars Electronica festival in Linz, Austria.