Artwork by Sooim Choi
2021 was a year of learning, working and collaborating online for students, faculty and staff at Centre for Digital Media, as we prepare to enter the 15th year of the Master of Digital Media program.
Much of 2021 revolved around refining online learning methods, and we graduated our first entirely remote cohorts of Master of Digital Media and Pre-MDM students in August.
We got very comfortable with Zoom and held our second virtual convocation reception in June and our second annual virtual Student Showcase in July.
In keeping with provincial restrictions, we hosted V-Unframed, an immersive digital art exhibition, both virtually and in-person in October.
We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Calvert, one of the MDM’s founding faculty members, in September. Tom was part of the team of academics and industry professionals that created the MDM curriculum and ensured that it passed through the Senates of four universities.
It was another impressive year for our alumni, who won prestigious awards, shared their time through our alumni mentoring program, and enthusiastically participated in the second round of our virtual “lunch-and-learn” series.
Despite the ongoing challenges of this year, Centre for Digital Media’s staff, faculty, students, and alumni maintained their commitment and resolve! Here are some of our most popular news stories from 2021 that highlight the best of CDM:
1. Reflections on the Master of Digital Media Program from its First Indigenous Graduate
Centre for Digital Media graduate John Pantherbone hopes to see more Indigenous students in the cutting-edge Master of Digital Media program in Vancouver. John reflected on his time in the MDM program, a world-class, multidisciplinary program that is highly regarded in the digital media industry, and, shared the need for more Indigenous people with this type of education.
2. MDM Alumni & Student Artwork Featured in Vancouver Mural Fest Winter Arts Event
In February, public space across Vancouver’s core was transformed into an interactive, open-air gallery featuring Augmented Reality (AR) art by local and international artists. VMF Winter Arts combined the spirit of the annual Vancouver Mural Festival with innovative digital technology to inspire residents to get outside and feel connected to their city. Artwork by four Master of Digital Media alumni and students was featured in the event.
3. I Got My Dream Job After Completing the Master of Digital Media Program
Getting rejected from every single job you apply to is not an ideal situation. But in a life full of inopportune moments, I believe one of the most important skills is to acknowledge your current position and then move forward. My life wasn’t going how I thought it would be, so it was time to pivot. And that is how I found the Master of Digital Media program at Centre for Digital Media.
4. Centre for Digital Media, First Fund and Mitacs Announce Joint Funding Collaboration for Canadian Startups
First Fund, Centre for Digital Media and Mitacs are undertaking a jointly-funded $533,000 research project that aims to strengthen the Canadian startup ecosystem by providing startups access to top-tier Doctoral, Masters, and Undergraduate level students through fully-funded Mitacs internships. As part of the joint initiative, 40 Mitacs internship units will be distributed among multiple Canadian startups.
5. 7 Things We Love About Living in Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic and diverse city, and the staff and faculty at Centre for Digital Media want to help newcomers get the most out of their time living here. While Master of Digital Media students can expect to be busy with classes, coursework and projects during their 16 months in the program, they will also have time to explore Vancouver and all it has to offer. Here are the top things we love about living in Vancouver.
Want to read more? These are our most popular blog posts, ever:
5 Tips for a Killer Graduate School Portfolio
6 Skills You Need To Become a Digital Media Leader
What’s the Difference Between Art and Design?
Best wishes for a restful holiday season and Happy New Year from all of us at Centre for Digital Media. The campus will be closed December 18 - January 3, reopening January 4. See you in 2022!