Leading the way in virtual reality, architecture and more–Herberger Institute highlights from June 2021
‘The Godmother of virtual reality’
Nonny de la Peña, dubbed “The Godmother of Virtual Reality” by Forbes and The Guardian, is joining Arizona State University to design and lead a new graduate program and center in emerging media and narrative based in Los Angeles. De la Peña’s appointment is in both the Herberger Institute and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the L.A.-based program and center will be a collaborative effort between the two.
Indigenous architecture
Tammy Eagle Bull, an alumna from The Design School and president and co-founder of the firm Encompass Architects based in Lincoln, Nebraska, reflects on America’s perception of Indigenous architecture. Bull is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Harvard Radcliffe Fellow
Grisha Coleman, associate professor in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, has been named a 2021–22 fellow by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration.
Spotlight on our programs
The Design School is revamping the architecture program to be more inclusive and supportive, including launching an online Master of Architecture degree.
By the numbers
This month’s number is 12! Phoenix New Times named “Embrace” by School of Arts, Media and Engineering Assistant Professor Lauren Hayes as one of its Top 12 albums for 2021 so far. The publication praised Hayes as “a profound talent breaking new grounds.”
In pictures
Arizona artist and School of Art alumna Ann Morton is leading “The Violet Protest” — a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each member of Congress in support of core American values of respect, citizenship, compromise, country over party and corporate influence, courage, candor, compassion and creativity. Makers from across the U.S. are creating square textile units using a variety of techniques. As of June 25, the project has 2,173 makers and 16,307 squares pledged. The project is funded by public donations and the Phoenix Art Museum, where visitors can view the squares. Congressman Greg Stanton visited the exhibition and recently presented Morton with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Earlier this year, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego also visited the exhibition and signed a proclamation recognizing April 13, 2021 as Violet Protest Day. You can follow @thevioletprotest on Instagram.
