The Victoria and Albert Museum in the U.K. has decided to do something unorthodox. The art and design institution has hired Sophia George, a computer game designer, as its first “game designer in residence.” The 160-year old art museum may be a bit elderly, but that doesn't mean it doesn't know what the kids are up to these days.
George will look through objects representing British design from the 16 to the 20 century throughout the galleries. She will spend six months on her endeavor. After her exploration, she will create a video game. Officials at the museum would like the institution in the forefront of the final work, but the game's ultimate design is up to her. Oh by the way, she's only 22-years-old.
The museum's decision to emphasize the importance of video games is similar to MoMA's decision to acquire 14 video games for their collection, for which the New York institution received a lot of flack. The acrimony that ensued afterward inspired an informational TED Talk by MoMA senior curator of architecture and design Paola Antonelli who emphasized the value lessons in design to be found in video games.
Sophia George said: “Games was always seen as a really low art, and when I told people my degree they said: ‘Why don’t you do a real degree?’ It’s great the V&A is taking it seriously, it is a fantastic medium.”
[viaIndependent]
