Research funding helps local business build on success

KMA develops cutting-edge technical pieces of film, music, theatre and public art installations which have been shown around the globe, from Shanghai to Trafalgar Square. Their work has included live visuals and interactive projections for the likes of Paolo Nutini and Prince, and they are currently working on a feature-length film adaptation of Macbeth. KMA public works are large scale art installations combining digital technology and performance. The works are designed to engage the general public with public spaces in new and innovative ways.

Through the YIF programme, the company will undertake its latest challenge: a research development project with York St John University, which aims to re-develop their business model to capitalise on the company’s reputation within the public arts market. The research will be conducted by Dr. Eirini Nedelkopoulou (YSJ), whose expertise focuses on participation within interactive and digital art and performance pieces and will inform the development of new art installations.

Tom Wexler, co-owner of KMA, said: “The cost of entry into our market is very high, placing strain on the process of creation. We hope to develop lower cost installations that are infused with the same interests and values as our large-scale works, which will also benefit from the marketing innovations to encourage longer-term engagement with audiences and potential customers.

"This research funding will enable us to work with Eirini to undertake research that is cross-disciplinary, examining commercial gaming sectors, live performance theory and audience behaviours to inform our business model.”

The YIF funding follows a joint smaller innovation project between KMA and York St John University one year ago also led by Dr. Nedelkopoulou, which helped the company to examine how audiences react and engage with a particular work. This knowledge helped to inform the company how to design work that reaches more diverse audiences and different markets.

York St John University has supported projects across Yorkshire through the YIF project, including those in the creative, manufacturing learning, product design and business development sectors. This latest award takes the total York St John has given out under the YIF scheme to over £150,000.

Stuart Page, Associate Dean (Development) to the University’s Faculty of Arts, said: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with KMA through the YIF programme, enabling the business to access our specialist expertise in order to innovate and grow. Their renown within the global arts industry is inspirational to our students and allows our staff to continue to work on the cutting-edge of their fields.”

YIF is an initiative of eleven Yorkshire and Humber universities, a partnership part-financed by the ERDF. It gives Yorkshire & Humber SMEs in priority and eligible sectors access to the collective expertise of the region's universities. The YIF fund is available for priority sectors for R&D and innovation projects, until July 2015.