The (R)Evolution of Animation: Current Challenges and Future Directions
The conference takes place at the VIA University College in Viborg (Denmark) in week 37 (September 9–11) of 2024, corresponding with the well-known Viborg Animation Festival.
The conference aims to delve into the rapid evolution and the ecological, political, ethical and technological challenges of animation, investigating the factors that have propelled its growth and examining the obstacles it currently faces. This call for research seeks to foster critical discussions surrounding the (r)evolution of animation and its future directions in response to the changes and trials faced by the industry. We invite scholars, artists, curators and more to submit papers that shed light on historical and current challenges in animation studies, art and industry as well as on the future directions of this ever-evolving field.
The conference program will be structured in three parts:
The Influence of Technology on Animation:
The craft of animation has been defined by the evolution and progress of technology that has been available to the artists; tools which were adapted to specific demands and language that created a unique way of expressing a story. It enabled new ways of interdisciplinary cooperation in different areas of work and disciplines but also countless adaptations and extensions of intellectual property (IP) across different media forms and platforms. They have paved the way for more aesthetically captivating visuals, expansive worldbuilding, as well as intricate storytelling in animation.
Political and Ecological Challenges Arising from Animation’s Growth:
As animation production and viewership increase, new challenges have emerged. On one hand, there is an urgent need for greater diversity and inclusive representation in media. On the other hand, the integration of new technologies, techniques, and an expanding array of distribution platforms must be balanced with ecological working standards. This includes addressing issues like international remote workplaces and considering the ecological impact of animation production.
Ethical Questions Raised by Emerging Technologies:
Production efficiency has become a paramount concern, leading to the emergence of technologies like AI-assisted animation and text-prompted art. However, the integration of these technologies raises ethical questions regarding the nature of artistic expression and the responsibilities of creators. “The (R)Evolution of Animation: Current Challenges and Future Directions” invites researchers to explore these ethical implications and contribute to the ongoing discourse on the use of AI in animation production.
Further research topics and paper submissions
Topics of interest include navigating the impact of the pandemic on production and distribution, addressing the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in animation, and developing ethical and ecological frameworks for working standards and the use of AI in animation production.
In addition, we encourage researchers to examine how animation has historically revolutionized expression, storytelling, and communication. This includes exploring its impact on education, ethical debates, and its role in addressing complex social and political issues. Furthermore, papers that explore archival practices and chronicle the revolutions shaping the animation industry and craft, both in relation to current challenges and in parallel, as well as submissions from scholars in various disciplines, including animation studies, media studies, cultural studies, art history, and more are highly welcomed.
Further research topics may include, but are not limited to:
- The historical and current impact of animation on traditional media and storytelling.
- Ethics of AI in animation production, including text-prompted art and animation analysis.
- Emerging and historical trends in animation technology and techniques.
- Current state and prior developments in green and sustainable animation production.
- Animation as a medium and its influence on public perception of ethical, political, and societal issues.