Nu Vibez and Roleplay Guide Magazine - June 2014 | Page 32

The University of Western Australia in Second Life- p3

The first rounds of film and art challenges
ran in 2009 – 2010, receiving more than
800 art entries and more than 70
machinima submissions. It was a huge
cri cal success.
The Second Life community embraced
the work done by the UWA and the
ar sts, establishing the UWA in SL as a
major presence. UWA SL's challenges
and accomplishments a racted posi ve
reviews, a en on and praise from all
quarters, including an “increasing
number of research and journal papers
that have been produced, linking the
work done by UWA in SL to helping
establish a global community.”

Recently, the UWA SL turned its vision
toward the significant benefits Second
32 - Nu Vibez Magazine - June, 2014

Life's virtual world offers to those who
are disabled or deal with chronic illness.
In partnership with DADAA (Disability in
the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts,
Australia), the Virtual Ability Group, the
Centre for ME/CFS and Other Invisible
Illnesses Group, UWA in SL organized The
Freedom Project, a 2D/3D art and film
event which showcased the work of
ar sts across the world who self-iden fy
as having a disability.
All submissions engaged the theme of
"freedom" and demonstrated in some
way how virtual worlds helped the ar sts
or those around them. A book
commemora ng The Freedom Project
and featuring the
submissions and personal
stories of the contribu ng
ar sts will be published
soon.
This summer the UWA in SL
will be running another bevy
of art and film challenges,
which will include
approximately L$500,000 in
awards. Those interested in
submi ng their work for
the challenges or visi ng the
UWA in SL should check the
UWA blog for updates and
i n f o r m a
o n
(h p://uwainsl.blogspot.com.au) and
join the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge
group in-world.