We are a research centre based in AUT’s School of Art and Design, including members across the School of Engineering, Maths and Computer Science, School of Future Environments and School of Communication Studies, and beyond. VCD is dedicated to empowering creatives, technologists, and academics by offering a space to explore and develop virtual creative design. Using the latest technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the centre leads in digital design and immersive media, working closely with industry partners to push the boundaries of innovation.
Contact us
Please feel free to contact Research Centre Director Dafydd Sills-Jones if you’d like to find out more about our facilities, projects and partnership opportunities.
Our core mission
- Innovate and Lead: Foster a culture of innovation by conducting groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of virtual creative storytelling.
- Protect, partner and participate: to create a research environment in which Mātauranga Māori is valued, and tangata whenua have opportunities to lead and contribute.
- Collaborate and Integrate: Build strong partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and creative professionals to facilitate knowledge exchange, collaborative projects, and real-world applications of virtual production, immersive production, AI-generated production in the genera area of Virtual Creative Storytelling.
- Promote Sustainability: Advocate for sustainable practices in virtual production, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to the environment and society.
- Enhance Creativity: Provide a supportive environment that nurtures creativity, enabling storytellers and artists to leverage virtual production tools to realize their visions and create compelling, immersive experiences.