University of Melbourne helps put X factor into ACMI

The University of Melbourne has become a major partner with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in ACMI X, a pioneering co-working space where people from various cutting-edge creative industries are brought together to share ideas, experience and inspiration.

In doing so, the University recognises the highly important role the creative industries play in Victoria and their growing contribution to the state’s $23 billion cultural economy.

The partnership with ACMI, the world’s most visited moving image museum, will enable University staff, students and alumni to work with an eclectic mix of professionals from a diverse range of fields, including filmmakers, web developers, digital and visual artists, game developers, screenwriters and designers.

The University will occupy six desks in a substantial state-of-the art- space near the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in the heart of the vibrant Southbank arts precinct.

It will also have access to range of other facilities and resources at ACMI X and ACMI.

University of Melbourne Vice-Principal (Engagement) Adrian Collette welcomed the partnership, saying it would have major benefits for learning, teaching and research while also cementing Melbourne’s position as one of the world’s most creative cities.

“We are delighted by the opportunity of working both with ACMI and other creative industry partners to stimulate the impact of our students’ work,” Mr Collette said.

VCA Director Su Baker said the partnership would give University of Melbourne alumni and PhD and postgraduate students many compelling opportunities to develop their skills in a highly collaborative environment operating at the intersection of culture, technology and entrepreneurship.

“We look forward to strengthening industry links, deepening existing relationships and forging new ways to work together as the partnership evolves,” Professor Baker said.

ACMI Director and Chief Executive Officer Katrina Sedgwick said since opening in April ACMI X has quickly fostered collaboration and experimentation among co-workers.

“ACMI X is actively supporting the next generation of leading creative industry professionals by sharing our resources and knowledge with the sector," she said.

“We welcome the University of Melbourne to the community and look forward to its students and researchers benefitting from the industry immersion but also to develop collaborative research projects over the next few years to enrich the creative industries of Victoria.”

Professor Rachel Fensham, Assistant Dean, Digital Studio for the Faculty of Arts, was enthusiastic about what ACMI X had to offer.

“It provides a fantastic opportunity for collaboration between researchers and digital creatives in the industry. They will be able to participate in residency programs while developing trailblazing digital technologies that require both engineering and original content to showcase exciting new work.”