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As part of its strategy of forging links with the cultural institutions in the city, the Faculty of Art, Media and Design at the University of West of England (UWE), has embarked on a bold programme of cultural alliances, explains Paul Gough.

Since 1998 the Faculty has worked closely with Watershed Media Centre in a strategic alliance to develop best practice and widest participation in the creative application of digital communication technologies. Through a multi-layered practice-based research and development programme the alliance has developed new models of creative technology application and transfer. To give just one example: dShed is intended as an online showcase and skills development platform for south west talent with national and international profile. The development programme will evaluate, develop, test and document models of practice. The Faculty is a lead partners in this project and has created a new research post, Watershed Research Fellow in Digital Arts, to promote and co-ordinate part of the project.

The Bristol Animation Course combines the expertise of some of the top animation studios in the UK and its success has earned support from the European Union CARTOON programme for several years. It is recognised as one of ten European Centres of Excellence for the training of animation professionals.

In 2002 the Faculty entered a new phase in its long-standing relationship with Arnolfini with the appointment of Deanna Petherbridge as the first Arnolfini research Professor in drawing. Deanna aims to complete a major new book on drawing, and will be involved in a programme of joint lectures and seminars being created and staged by the two organisations. A similar programme of joint events has been developed with the Spike Island arts studios in Bristol, in which the Faculty has 1,000m2 of Fine Arts studio space.

The University has also entered into a formal alliance with the Royal West of England Academy, by developing a ?Patrons? group and a compacting arrangement that will enable both organisations to advance their missions and strategies by working together. The purpose of the Patrons group is 'to nurture a partnership between the two related charities and to expand their contribution to the cultural and educational life of the west of England'. This will be achieved through a unique covenanted donation scheme that will extend for 35 years, joint programming of shows, shared use of facilities including a new auditorium, and major exhibitions of outstanding art and architecture.

Professor Paul Gough is Dean of the Faculty of Art, Media and Design at the University of West of England, Bristol t: 0117 344 4784 e: paul.gough@uwe.ac.uk;
w: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/amd/vortex