Public Affairs
Fusion Arts Exchange Program on Digital Media and Computer-Assisted Design
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
Participant nominations in 2008 were solicited from Argentina, Finland, Jordan, Kenya and the Republic of Korea for the U.S.-based Fusion Arts Exchange on Digital Media and Computer-Assisted Design for outstanding undergraduate students of multimedia. The program is six weeks (40 days) in duration, including arrival and departure days. Exact dates are to be determined.
The Fusion Arts Exchange program was announced by Assistant Secretary of State Dina Habib Powell at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters in October 2006 to promote the use of the arts to “create common understanding that transcends language and borders.”
The initiative consists of four multinational exchange programs, whose purpose is to provide outstanding undergraduate students an intensive, collaborative course on the latest developments in their field of interest, and in the history and culture of the U.S. as it relates to that field. Participants will also learn about careers and current and potential economic development opportunities for their communities related to their field, and have the chance to develop on-going collaborations with their fellow participants.
The Fusion Arts Exchange Program on Digital Media and Computer-Assisted Design will provide a multinational group of 18-20 experienced and highly-motivated undergraduates with an intensive, collaborative course on digital media and computer-assisted design. The program will cover the major topics and latest developments in interactive digital media, including
animation; Web design; print layout and production; multimedia-print interfacing; digital photography production; game development; digital media research; and new forms of computer-related expression.
The program will be designed to provide immersive, hands-on training. Participants will have access to the highest quality digital media facilities at the host institution, and the latest developments in digital media will be thoroughly addressed. It will also offer opportunities to learn from leading digital media academics and professionals about careers and current and potential economic development opportunities related to digital media in the participants’ home countries.
A key component of the program will be an introductory course exploring American history, values and culture through American historical and contemporary visual art and communications, including fine art, political art, visual advertising and Web-based media, which will be integrated into the curriculum for its entirety and provide a framework for the exchange experience.
The program will cover all participant costs, including: international travel, program administration, domestic travel and ground transportation, book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, housing and subsistence.
PROGRAM DESIGN
The Fusion Arts Exchange on Digital Media and Computer-Assisted Design is designed around two key components: an academic residency, conducted at the host institution, running approximately four weeks; and an educational study tour to one or two regions of the United States other than the region where the host institution is located, running approximately one week (including Washington, D.C.), designed to directly complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency program.
These components will be organized through an integrated series of individual and group training workshops, lectures, readings, seminar discussions, public presentation opportunities, and regional travel and site visits. Each program will also include some opportunity for limited but well-directed independent research. Every effort will be made to encourage active student participation in the educational process.
Additionally, three to five American undergraduate students, outstanding in the above-named field of study, will be competitively selected by the program host institution to be participants in its program. These American participants will participate in all aspects of the Fusion Arts Exchange program, living and working collaboratively with their international peers.
Please note: Travel to visit family or friends elsewhere in the United States will not be permitted before, during or after the program, including on weekends during the academic residency period. Students must return home immediately at the conclusion of the program.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Nominees should exhibit a serious interest in pursuing opportunities within their field of study in their home countries, and demonstrate a genuine desire to learn first hand about the United States and its societal institutions. All students must be prepared to engage seriously in practical training, class discussions and other activities. In addition, they will be expected to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate Americans about the cultures and societies of their home countries in non-structured gatherings, as well as in public presentations.
Ideal candidates for the Fusion Arts Exchange on Digital Media and Computer-Assisted Design will meet the following criteria:
• They are 18 to 22 years of age;
• They are proficient in English;
• They are committed to returning to their home country immediately following the completion of their program;
• They demonstrate strong potential in their field of study that can be used in their university and community activities;
• They indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
• They have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• They have had little study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;
• They are mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;
• They are willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and active educational travel program; and,
• They are comfortable with campus life, sharing living accommodations while traveling with a multinational group of participants, and making adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Culture and Exchanges Assistant Mirka McIntire, e-mail: McIntireMH@state.gov