Technology and Media: the impact (positive and negative) of technology on artistic life and creativity; technology and mass media—impact on culture; impact on cultural understandings of “what is art?”. CFA being aware of what is happening in the rest of the world, aesthetically and educationally. Role of technology in the arts as a medium. Need/opportunity for CFA to catch up in this area [what are the critical needs?]
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pmitro posted on January 9, 2011 at 5:57 pm
http://mashable.com/2011/01/07/online-education-websites/
The link above doesn’t relate directly to the arts but it is just an example of what is “out there” in the media about technology and education.
Personally, I don’t have a good sense of where CFA is with “technology and the arts” and what the “critical needs” are.
We have three graduate programs that are offered online but at this point, these programs have little to do with on campus learing though we are taking very small steps in that direction. Could we consider some blended programs?
Als part of this planning, should we do some polling of our faculty as to how they use technology? Is there a reasonable way to benchmark other arts programs regarding technology?
What type of committment and resources would it take for us to be more “in the game” regarding technology?
Phyllis Hoffman posted on January 19, 2011 at 6:52 pm
The global streaming on the internet of the Totenberg 100th Birthday celebration concert at Symphony Hall is a start in using technology to promote CFA. Because we lack visibility in the greater Boston area and are eclipsed by the dominance of the NEC PR machine, I feel the first priority is to develop our websites to promote the Schools to the fullest extent possible along with the use of technology to provide the print media with fully fleshed-out press releases that make our events as compelling to these outlets as they are in reality. Again, it seems that expanded staffing is necessary to achieve these objectives.
lynne allen posted on January 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Patricia is correct about our baby steps with blended programing in our online programs, but I feel in SVA that the art ed program can lean in this direction. Dana Frankfort and I have discussed SVA’s use of technology (computer, video, sound art) and although in some areas it’s quite minimal at the moment (painting and sculpture) we are active in graphic design (increasingly) and printmaking. Photography also uses technology. I do believe these areas are open and ripe for expansion, but we need staff, equipments, etc. Unless we can plan to have the appropriate software and equipment, it is a weak plan that will not be able to compete.
Lynne and Dana
Stephanie Trodello posted on January 20, 2011 at 1:24 pm
In addition to the comments above, the technology issue also crosses professional development, and how best to tee students up for success once they graduate – something that consistently comes up in meetings and interactions with our alumni. CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler, for instance, recently shared that she rarely participates in live auditions anymore when hiring talent; rather, casting directors will send her the link to an online video and/or podcasts featuring a particular actor, Nina will view this on her handheld, and then make the hiring decision based on that “audition” from wherever she happens to be at the moment. In the visual arts, I recall a major art collector/gallery owner sharing that technology has completely changed her business model, in that something 90% of sales were from online inquires from around the world. The tricky thing of course is that technology changes more quickly than it seems humanly possible to keep pace with… so how to prepare students now for the world they will be launching into five years from now, when they enter the professional arena?
Benjamin posted on January 21, 2011 at 7:49 am
EMPAC in Troy NY is a good example of new spaces for the arts, science and technology. How well will it age?
Jim Petosa posted on January 21, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Should the arts be housed in sequestered architectural monuments? Does the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center model work for the 21st century? Are the spectacular PACs that have sprung up on so many campuses the next wave or relics of an old vision? What is the intersection of arts masterplanning and urban and suburban (and campus?)master planning?
Jim Petosa posted on January 21, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Well, here’s a technology issue….I’m trying to establish a new post….as well as attempting to link an article to this site.
I can’t even find the tool bar to learn how that might be done.
I may not be Bill Gates, but I’m no Luddite either. Have sent a help shout out to Julia – so hopefully will learn how to do this soon.
I did post on FACEBOOK a very interesting piece about a collaboration between Opera Memphis (where former student Ned Canty is currently director) and a theatre company there who developed a wildly inventive new musical theatre approach to MIDSUMMER. Fascinating. Google: Opera Memphis Midsummer and you will no doubt get to it. or check out my page on facebook if you have an interest in reading about it. The clash between serious music, popular culture and Shakespearean comedy…fun stuff.
danaf posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:42 am
With regard to Stephanie’s comment, I find the idea that arts are being viewed thru the internet potentially problematic. For example, in the visual arts the fact that paintings are being bought via the internet is purely for collectors who don’t actually care about the painting, they’re just looking for a good investment. Many people have seen the mona lisa reproduced in a book but have no idea how big or small it is in real life, any sense of scale and perspective is lost. I think technology is obviously a good thing in many cases but there are some limits and we shouldn’t believe that it can replace the experience of actually being there.
lynne allen posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:43 am
In reference to Jim question about are PAC’s the wave of the future or is something else in store, In Visual Arts, although there are wealthy people who are creating their own museums to showcase their own collections (hiring famous architects to design them) or even new Guggenheim’s being discussed in Helsinki, one of the most interesting and sustaining ways for art to permeate a community is through grass roots organizations. I have posted a website for REDUX which was founded by a BU alumni, just got an Andy Warhol grant for public programming and is going great guns. Patrick Short who graduated a few years ago from the BFA program opened another art center in Dallas. Often times the most important and ground breaking settings are those created by artists, performers, poets, you name it, in their own communities based on what their needs are.
What does our community need?
emcarr posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:38 am
I think our community needs arts in convenient and accessible places, at convenient times, across both campuses. The spaces need to be suited to their purpose, whether a theatre, gallery, or concert/recital hall–and comfortable for patrons, but they don’t have to be ridiculously expensive. Some of the most interesting galleries are cement floors, bare (well-lit) walls, in the heart of an arts district…..more the aesthetic of artistic laboratories vs. artistic showplaces. Also need space for socializing, pre/post talks…giving patrons the “inner sanctum” view into the creative process that is so compelling to both arts novices and experts.
Michael john posted on April 17, 2025 at 5:01 am
The meeting notes on “Technology and Media” from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts Strategic Plan underscore the importance of integrating digital tools into artistic education. Embracing technology not only enhances creative expression but also prepares students for the evolving landscape of the arts in the digital age. Such initiatives are vital for fostering innovation and ensuring that the arts remain dynamic and relevant.
Daniel Ward posted on April 23, 2025 at 6:01 am
Exploring these archival meeting notes offers an intriguing window into early debates on technology and media. It’s fascinating to see how the discussions and predictions from the past have helped shape our modern digital era. Which insight from these notes strikes you as particularly visionary in hindsight?
Liam O’Connor posted on May 2, 2025 at 3:41 pm
You’ve clearly outlined your role and responsibilities at La Salle San Cristóbal. Adding a friendly profile photo and a short “about me” blurb could help build rapport with students and colleagues.
Jason Rogers posted on June 2, 2025 at 2:41 pm
This post highlights fascinating intersections between technology and media of the early 2010s as well highlighting important perspectives on classroom discussion around media engagement. I think it will still has plenty relevance—especially as media and user-led media tools evolve through the early 2020s decade. Have any of these predictions from 2011 already come to pass?
Adam Miller posted on June 9, 2025 at 8:35 am
This resonated deeply with me, especially the notes on the evolution of communication impacting how we process information. It’s astounding to see how quickly technology has shaped our interaction with media, potentially altering our attention spans — what tools or techniques do you think are most helpful for combating those natural byproducts right now?
Aveloria Thessar posted on August 2, 2025 at 6:15 am
What a fascinating, deep dive into disambiguating “technology” and “media”! This framework of five ‘medium’ layers really highlights how incredibly interwoven these concepts became, especially as you explore from “Physical” all the way up to the “General Use/Social Practices.” Trying to define these distinctions feels so crucial for clarity in our digitally saturated world, and it totally resonates that the precise concept gets fuzzier with things like social networks and pure “messaging.”
I’m particularly chewing on your opening statement that “one can never have information without medium” – it’s incredibly thought-provoking! Does this notion conceptually extend to completely abstract data or even internal thought processes, and if so, how might those fit into or influence this wonderful breakdown? Also, considering the significant digital advancements since 2011, do you think any new application ‘layer’ or social ‘medium’ contexts have emerged that might require refining or adding to these insightful categories today?