An online, practice-based course exploring the theories and applications of visual and public anthropology in the context of experimental multisensory storytelling.

WHAT: A 6-week online course including introductory lectures, screenings, group exercises, individual research, and group discussions.

WHERE: Online distance learning, take part in this class from your home with a computer/tablet.

WHO: Run by Alda Terracciano, visual artist, curator, director and activist.

WHEN: 6 weeks (5 taught sessions, 1 tutorial), 5 March, 12 March, 19 March, 26 March, 2 April (tutorials), 9 April (independent work), 16 April (independent work) & 23 April

COMMITMENT: 2 hours per week, plus optional extra reading and watching outside of class.

WHAT YOU GET: An overview if multisensory and experimental moving image in the form of lectures, screenings, group exercises, individual research, and group discussions.

HOW MUCH: Full Price: £255 | Students/Concessions: £235| UCL Students: £200

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: Please book your place by 1st March.

BURSARIES: Bursaries and concession rates are available for this course. Please see our Terms & Conditions for information.

AGES: 18+

Course Description

During the last two decades multisensory art, filmmaking, and the role digital technologies play in their production has been explored both in academic discourse and art practice. Theoretical frameworks and artistic and curatorial approaches have particularly focused on the design, production, and fruition of multisensory experiences that go beyond the visual (Cranny-Francis 2009, Marks 2002, Rush 2005, Durcan 2021). This trend has run parallel to the expansion of the concept of ‘scenography’ beyond more traditional theatrical and film settings to include potentially all environments, objects, actors and actions (McKinney & Butterworth 2009, Lotker & Gough 2013, McKinney & Palmer 2017, Aronson 2017, Von Rosen 2024, Terracciano 2021). Other areas of study and research, such as sensorial urbanism and visual anthropology, have continued to shown interest in the transformative potential of embodied and multisensory dimensions of public and artistic events (Howes 1991, Vannini, Waskul, and Gottschalk 2011, Ingold 2022, Pink 2015).

The course is aimed at filmmakers, or anyone interested in the field and in particular in theories and applications of visual and public anthropology in the context of experimental multisensory storytelling. Students are encouraged to carry out independent research for a real or hypothetical project and explore methodologies and technologies that can help them with the development of a multisensory film, art installation, or virtual media.

The course will combine introductory lectures, screenings, group exercises, individual research, and group discussions. A book list and weekly reading will also be provided.

 

This online course takes place on Thursday evenings (7pm to 9pm) from 5th March to 23rd April 2026.

 

Course Costs:

For each course, we offer three rates: General, Students/Concessions, and UCL Students. 

For a full breakdown of our costs/concessions, please reach our Terms and Conditions:

https://opencitylondon.com/school/terms-and-conditions/