An innovative project involving University of the West of Scotland (UWS) New Media Art staff and students has won a prestigious international award. 

The pan-European Bridging Digital project used state-of-the-art technology to share digital art, including augmented reality, virtual reality, digital theatre, animation and podcasts. 

It has now been recognised with a highly sought-after Erasmus+ Best Practice Award.

ABOVE: The projection, displayed on the side of Dunure Castle (credit: Trent Kim)

As part of the project, UWS students produced a stunning animated story of local heritage, which was projected onto the side wall of Dunure Castle in Ayrshire, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council and Dynamic Dunure.

The staff and alumni of New Media Art also contributed to developing an augmented reality display, working in collaboration with Fablevision – accessed using smartphones via a QR code – telling the story of Christian Shaw, who as an 11-year-old, played a notorious role in the Bargarran Witch Trials in 1697, giving testimony which led to the execution of seven people for witchcraft. She would then go on to found Paisley’s world-famous thread industry.

Lecturer and artist Trent Kim, who collaborated with students on the project, said “The innovative techniques used to share these remarkable stories are reflective of the tremendous and thoughtful work done by BA New Media Art students on a regular basis.”

“I am incredibly proud of the role they have played in this project.”

“This was an international project of high prestige, and it is a testament to our students and academics that we were able to play such a pivotal role in it."
Professor Katarzyna Kosmala

Professor Katarzyna Kosmala, Chair in Culture, Media and Visual Arts at the University, added: “This was an international project of high prestige, and it is a testament to our students and academics that we were able to play such a pivotal role in it. Earlier this year I chaired a Bridging Digital symposium showcasing the best practice examples from across Europe and Scotland, featuring our students and staff work.

“I am delighted that this impactful project has received a good practice accolade from the EU.”

Find out more about studying BA New Media Art at UWS.