Once Upton a Time in Animation Exhibition

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Celebrating 30 years of the National Centre for Computer Animation

Temporary Exhibition, 22 May - 4 July 2021

The exhibition ‘Once Upon a Time in Animation’ celebrates 30 years of the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), Bournemouth University. This fun-packed, interactive exhibition showcases a selection of original concept art, storyboards, stills, games and finished films, opening on Saturday 22 May at Poole Museum in galleries 1 and 2.

The NCCA at Bournemouth University has been at the forefront of computer graphics and animation education and research in the UK since 1989. With the exhibition Once Upon a time in Animation we provide an overview of 30 years of excellence in animation research, practice and innovation.

Once Upon a Time in Animation features a wealth of creative talent from students, graduates and researchers from Bournemouth University. The objects and artwork on display are from the archives of the NCCA, which include staff and student work as well as industry donations. The exhibition explores different areas of animation, from film to game design, and shows how an initial idea develops into a finished moving image. The exhibition features household names including Miffy, Beatrix Potter and Aardman.

Visitors have the opportunity to engage with Covid secure exhibits including a display of student-created games, moving images and a cinema area. Alongside a zoetrope, there will be the chance to see original models by Academy Award winning Aardman, including Morph and Wallace and Gromit. While watching showreels from NCCA graduates, visitors will also learn more about advances in computer animation, how animation has impacted other fields including medicine, and the different career paths within animation. 

The exhibition is supported by a range of online workshops for children and young people, including coding and game design. The programme of talks will feature leading experts and artists. The Wallace & Gromit Family Trail invites audiences of all ages to experience Poole Museum with all new eyes. In addition, the NCCA and partner organisations will be running careers guidance for those interested in working in the field of computer animation.

Once Upon a Time in Animation will run from 22 May – 4 July 2021. 

Free entry. Donations are welcome.