Computational Arts

At QUT, there are research and teaching activities in Computational Arts.

What do we mean by Computational Arts?

Computational Arts acivities explore the aesthetics of process. Computational Arts are creative practices based on the design and utilisation of algorithms, typically realised by programming a computer to produce images, animations, sound scapes and music compositions. These practices are applied to computer games, VJing, DJing, web art, and interactive public installations.

At a more formal level the field of computational arts involves two activities; 1) the advancement of culture through the development of new artistic works, tools, techniques, activities, practices and ideas, and; 2) the intellectual engagement with what Brian Smith (1996:8) calls 'the computational project', a philosophical investigation into the theory of computation, which relates to but is distinct from theories of representation, algorithm design, artificial intelligence, artificial life, cognitive psychology, or computer science.

Visit the Computational Arts blog for up to date information, news, events and resources.

Computational Arts Research Group

Computational Arts Units at QUT

The Computational Arts Research Group (CARG) undertake  practice-based research where computer languages are the medium of expression and aesthetic artefacts are the vehicles of investigation. As a Media Arts practice, Computational Arts leverages the isomorphic nature of digital representations to encourage transdisciplinary practices that can include sonic, visual, textual and physical outcomes. At stake in our research are new understandings about creative processes, digital aesthetics, cultural futures, and the structure of the creative mind. These ideas are articulated, explored and expressed through the design of computational algorithms that lead to creative works, the design of software tools that amplify people’s creativity, and critical reflection on these activities. Faculty: Associate Professor Andrew R. Brown (Music and Sound) (Coordinator) Dr. Gregory Hooper (Communication Design) Mr. Daniel Mafe (Visual Arts) Mr. Gavin Sade (Communication Design) Reseach Students: Rene Wooller Lindsay Vickery Tim Opie Anna Gerber Toby Gifford If you are interested in enrolling as a graduate student or collaborating on research projects with the Computational Arts Research Group please contact the co-ordinator.

The two Computational Arts units (subjects) introduce students to the creative design of visual and sonic art works by implementing processes from which these works unfold on computers.  The sub-major includes introductory computer programming, design fundamentals for sound and vision, and Computational Arts units where these skills are combined and enhanced. Computational Arts skills are applicable to work in these areas; interactive computer games, VJs, DJs, web art, and interactive public sculptures. For Students in the Faculty of Information Technology A minor in Computational Arts KMB107 Sound and Image KVB202 Visual Imaging - Process and Theory KKB210 Computational Arts 1 KKB211 Computational Arts 2 For students in the Creative Industries Faculty A Sub-major or Minor in Computational Arts Introductory Units ITB001 Problem Solving and Programming ITB003 Object Oriented Programming Secondary Units – Choose four units, including the two required units, to complete a sub-major. Choose the two required units to complete a minor. KKB210 Computational Arts 1 (required) KKB211 Computational Arts 2 (required) KMB107 Sound and Image KMB105 Music and Sound Technology KVB202 Visual Imaging - Process and Theory KVB211 Post 1945 Art KIB101 Foundations of Communications Design KIB103 Media Technology 1 Computational Arts units can be taken by any QUT student, however, undergraduate courses particularly appropriate for studies in computational arts include: Bachelor of Creative Industires/Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Games and Interactive Entertainment Bachelor of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary) Bachelor of Creative Industries/ Bachelor of Information Technology (Communication Design) Bachelor of Creative Industries (Communication Design) Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art) Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)