The Digital Media Center: 21st Century Art

When students go to the recently completed Mattin Center for the Arts, they do not always realize that within its walls lies a hub of professional technology to help them create the art of the 21st century. The Digital Media Center (DMC), which opened in 2001, has a vast array of equipment and personnel to assist students in creating projects, curricular or not, using the latest digital technology.

The DMC offers students the opportunity to create art in a variety of ways, including video, audio and computer-assisted outlets, Video Specialist Kira Hammond said. The lab mainly consists of computer-based functions, while video, audio, presentation and teaching specialty labs also exist, Hammond said.

Despite the richness of the technology, though, this resource is strictly for students to have fun and learn on their own. "No classes meet here, no departments are aligned with us," Hammond said. The main thrust of the DMC is for "students to get artistic know-how."

In order to accomplish this task, the DMC has permanent staff specialists in digital and audio technology as well as student employees. This may be one of the most important resources. According to senior Marty Tabaksblat, "the staff is very knowledgeable and anxious to help." The DMC also hosts guest lecturers and artists.

Students can also attend tutorials that are regularly given in graphics design, audio workshops and editing, Hammond said. Once students feel they have begun mastering a technique, they can use the equipment on their own. Some feel this sense of empowerment is the best part. "It was awesome to be able to borrow equipment like digital video cameras," Tabaksblat said.

Although the DMC has only been open for a year, it has been a vision of Hopkins higher-ups for years. Anxious not to lose students because there were not enough fun activities at school, the deans felt that the DMC might provide more creative outlets for students, Hammond said.

Even as the DMC experiences some technical problems, students are beginning to realize the value of this resource. "There was a problem with the systems crashing, but it is a great resource," Tabaksblat said. "I used it for digital video production class, but I'd definitely use it again."

Even in its short time on campus, the DMC has already made an impact. Students have already begun utilizing this resource. "I am constantly amazed by projects that come out of here," Hammond said. "The Mental Notes a capella group was able to put out their own CD."

Even so, Hammond says the DMC still has room to grow. The DMC's website is one way it is able to expand, by offering links to tips and tutorials about digital art techniques. Nonetheless, the DMC hopes to get even more students involved. "We want to get our name out there and increase awareness on campus," she said.