Overview

Research and experimental co-design between the MA Animation programmes at Ulster University and Lu Xun Academy of Fine Art.

This collaborative project invites students from MA Animation at Ulster University and MA Animation at Lu Xun Academy of Fine Art in China to exchange and reinterpret folktales, myths, and legends from their respective cultures.

Working across borders, students will design and produce creative responses that focus on a specific part of the animation pipeline. The aim is to deepen technical skills, broaden cultural awareness, and practice international collaboration in design for animation.

Project Aims

  • Develop and demonstrate creative and technical skills within a chosen animation pipeline stage.

  • Gain experience in cross-cultural collaboration and visual storytelling.

  • Explore how myth and folklore can be reinterpreted through contemporary design and animation practices.

  • Create a portfolio-ready piece of work that reflects both personal skill development and team contribution.

The Process

1. Story Exchange

  • In pairs or small teams students will pick 1 folktale / myth / legend from their culture.

    • Each team should pick a unique folktale, so not to have duplication with another team.

  • Stories are exchanged across institutions, presenting the folktale / myth / legend to the students at the other university.

    • Students pick from one of the presented stories, this becomes their creative starting point.

2. Skill-Focused Production

Students select a specialism within the pipeline to focus on - Possible skillsets (Choose 2):

  • Character Animation 2D and/or 3D

  • 3D modelling

  • Look Development (Material / Texture & Rendering)

  • Sculpting

  • Rigging 2D or 3D (requires you to also choose character modeling / 2D puppet creation)

  • Simulation

  • Mixed media experimentation

  • VP experimentation

  • VR painting

  • Blender Grease Pencil

  • Compositing

  • Other (discuss with your Lecturer)


Belfast School of Art, Ulster University (UK) and Lu Xun Academy of Fine Art (China)

Funder: British Council, University of Nottingham (Partner)
Project Dates: 29 Sep 2025 - 29 Dec 2025

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