Aardman Academy Enters Agreement with NZ University

Aardman Academy, the training arm of Aardman, has signed a five-year exclusive agreement with New Zealand’s University of Canterbury.

The expertise available through Aardman will be beneficial for the university’s bachelor of digital screen with honors program, giving students the opportunity to receive training in their chosen specialty directly from industry leaders.

The agreement makes the university the only educational institution in New Zealand to specialize in Aardman stop-motion animation.

The partnership came to be through Kōawa, a University of Canterbury initiative that aspires to co-create the future of the global screen and creative technology industries through c collaboration, innovation and education. Kōawa enable the university to provide bachelor of digital screen students with regular access and exposure to partners like Aardman, supporting them to graduate with the skills the industries require.

“It’s incredibly exciting to welcome the University of Canterbury as an educational partner with the Aardman Academy,” said Mark Simon Hewis, head of the Aardman Academy. “Canterbury is our first and only educational partner in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, so our relationship and activities in the coming years are even more special. We can’t wait to get going with world-leading animation insight, support and learning from our Aardman staff and Aardman Academy team.”

Cheryl de la Rey, vice-chancellor of the University of Chancellor, said, “As a university committed to accessible, flexible and future-focused education, we’re delighted to be working with the Aardman Academy, who bring to our students over 40 years of experience and innovation.”