Norwegian Art School and JCAMD celebrate Memorandum of Understanding
4th December 2008
On the 30 October 2008, a delegation of fourteen staff from Norwegian art college Norges Kreative Fagskole (NKF) visited London Metropolitan University’s Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design (JCAMD). During their visit the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow students graduating from NKF to take a variety of advanced entry courses at London Met.
To celebrate the newly formed partnership, a special program of talks, screenings and tours was arranged. Michael Upton from JCAMD presented a brief introduction to London Met and the department. Alisdair Aldous, from the University’s London Enterprise Office then gave a presentation about the institution’s diverse activities aimed at supporting the growth of the creative economy in London.
Artist and academic Paul St George, the Course Leader for BA Computer Animation and MA Digital Film and Animation, talked about his famous and intriguing Telectroscope installation; a piece of art which involved drilling a tunnel between London and New York.
Edward Alves from Metropolitan Works, the University’s digital manufacturing facility, outlined the centre’s services and resources which are available to JCAMD students.
Students from each institution also presented talks to the attendees. In ‘Up Close’, MA Photography student Fiona Yaron Field discussed the recent publication of her new book of photographs and text inspired by and about her daughter, Ophir, who has Down’s syndrome. Norwegian student Kenneth Svaeren, who is on the third year of BA Graphic Design spoke in both languages about his very positive experiences as a student.
Cinematographer Yossi Bal, who oversees external links on JCAMD’s Film and Broadcast Production course, discussed the courses in the department’s media area. He highlighted the department's link with industry festivals, in particular his involvement in the film festival Eat Our Shorts, where London Met students get a chance to show their films at the National Film Theatre. He concluded his presentation by showing a great show-reel of work by students on the BA Film and Broadcast Production and MA Audio Visual Production courses, prepared by Philip Crean.
Denise Panattoni, from the University’s International Office, who was responsible for proposing the articulation agreement and introducing NKF to JCAMD, explained the details of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Mr Axel Eikner, International Development Manager at NKF (who have six campuses throughout Norway) said: "London is known as the design capital of the world and I am truly thrilled about the opportunity given to NKF students to complete a Bachelors degree in Design at London Met. Hopefully many students from our Graphic design, Interior and Illustration programs, especially, will find this partnership agreement ideal and move to London to study for a year at London Met.
During the mapping process I have been extremely impressed by the thoroughness shown by faculty members and administrative staff alike, still never compromising hospitality. Something of which I am sure our students will be experiencing, as well, when they do come to London Met to study."
NKF left JCAMD with a set of CDs by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and some Norwegian Chocolate. The day ended with a series of tours around London Met facilities and an informal chat about the exciting partnership ahead.