New Program Allows Santa Fe University Students to Study at New Zealand Design School
Media Design School alumni include animators at Pixar, Weta Digital, and Industrial Light & Magic
07.06.2011
Santa Fe, N.M.—July 6, 2011—Santa Fe University of Art and Design has announced a new collaboration with Media Design School, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning school for digital and creative design in Auckland, New Zealand. This collaboration will give Santa Fe University students the opportunity to develop individualized programs of study through Media Design School’s Creative Technology Department. Students enrolled in Santa Fe University’s Moving Image Arts, Graphic Design, Art and Photography programs can engage in a variety of areas, including animation and design, at Media Design School beginning in the fall of 2011.
Eligible Santa Fe University students can choose to spend one semester (16 weeks) or two semesters (32 weeks) during their fourth year at Media Design School. Students completing the program will earn either a graduate certificate or a graduate diploma, depending on the duration of their stay. The 32-week program includes internship opportunities with leaders in the 3D animation and post-production industries. Tuition for the study abroad program will be the same as Santa Fe University’s undergraduate tuition. Transportation costs to and from Auckland up to $2000 are included. Course fees, housing and food will vary based on local pricing.
“We’re excited about this connection with Media Design School,” said Gerry Snyder, Santa Fe University’s vice president of academic affairs. “Immersing themselves in the fast-paced environment of Media Design School will allow our students to build on the strength of their Santa Fe University program. Their experience will prove even more valuable because of Media Design School’s connections to the film and animation industry, its hands-on approach to learning, and its location in a country that has become a center of high-tech film production.”
Santa Fe University of Art and Design and Media Design School are also jointly creating a faculty-in-residence exchange program, which will begin in the fall of 2011. Penny Dromboski, a senior graphic design faculty member at Media Design School, will join Santa Fe University to inaugurate the visiting artist program in October.
“At Media Design School, we offer specialized qualifications that are intrinsically connected to the creative industries,” said Frances Valintine, president of the school. “This new initiative will allow us to mentor committed and passionate students from Santa Fe University.” Santa Fe University will continue to expand its offerings with Media Design School, including a study abroad program for students in the Creative Writing and Literature Department.
For more information, visit www.santafeuniversity.edu.
About Media Design School
Media Design School, established in 1998, is an award-winning, internationally recognized institution providing specialized, cutting-edge education in digital design. Located in Auckland’s city center, Media Design School was an early adopter of technical innovation and was one of the first schools in the Asia-Pacific region to offer formal qualifications in technical, digital and creative fields. Its numerous connections with major New Zealand design and production studios, advertising agencies, post-production facilities, and print design companies have created rare opportunities for mentorship. The school, known for its many international design and film festival awards, has produced some of New Zealand’s most sought-after graduates in their respective fields. For more information, visit www.mediadesignschool.com.
About Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Santa Fe University of Art and Design, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides students with a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines practical experience with core theory to prepare graduates to become well-rounded, creative problem-solving professionals. The curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, passion and outstanding performance in contemporary music, creative writing, performing arts, art, graphic design, moving image arts (filmmaking and video production), photography, business and education. Its location, in one of the world’s leading centers for art and design, provides a perfect setting for learning in a city where creativity and innovation are central to the community. For more information, visit santafeuniversity.edu.
Santa Fe University of Art and Design (formerly the College of Santa Fe) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
