Auckland's Media Design School cancelled classes on Friday 26 June and its students were put into cross-disciplinary (e.g 3D, Graphics, Interactive, Advertising) teams to brainstorm ways to increase the awareness of the Auckland Refugee Community Coalition.

Creative Advertising course leader Kate Humphries, whose students headed up the 20-odd teams on the day says “with up to 750 refugees entering New Zealand each year, they form an important part of our community. We’re stopping classes to give students the opportunity to use cross-disciplinary thinking to generate new ideas to help some new-New Zealanders.”

“To do this we’re going to surgically remove the students from their computers, shift them away from their familiar desks, familiar disciplines and familiar faces.” Does that make them feel uncomfortable? “Yes, but that’s a good thing” says Kate because “not only will they get to experience in a tiny way what it feels like to be a refugee arriving somewhere new, they’ll also hopefully learn how removing themselves from the thought processes of one discipline can help improve innovative thinking.”

All going well, the coalition will hear some great ideas for feasible campaigns and initiatives that can be integrated into their planning, and we’ll be able to see some student work come alive for the benefit of all refugees settling into Auckland life.

Media Design School

Media Design School (Auckland, NZ)  is an industry-based digital design and technology school providing highly relevant qualifications for specific roles and careers within the film, design and production industries including video editors, effects artists, 3D animators and designers. All courses offered are production- based, and taught by highly experienced industry professionals.