Andrew McNamara joins York St John University’s School of the Arts as a Visiting Professor for Design in AI.

As the Generative AI (artificial intelligence) lead for multinational entertainment service studio Cinesite,  Professor McNamara brings over 30 years of 3D computing and visual effects (VFX) expertise to inform the University’s Arts curriculum. 

Beginning his career at IBM in the early days of computer-generated imagery (CGI), Andrew has worked across a diverse range of projects, including film (Black Panther – Wakanda Forever, Spectre), commercials and branding (Nike, Versace, Burberry), broadcast (BBC, ITV, Disney), theatre, and immersive and experiential projects.  
 
Andrew will be supporting and advising the University’s School of the Arts in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum. His expertise will involve working across modules such as Games Design, Animation, Graphics, Media Production, Fine Art and Performance, amongst others. 
 
He will also advise on the University’s virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) Research Group, help support new curriculum development by embedding AI, present keynote lectures, and explore collaboration on research projects.  
 
“In parallel with my professional practice at Cinesite, I am delighted to help support both the School of Arts and York St John University in my new role as Visiting Professor,” said Andrew.  

“As the world changes, AI and machine learning are becoming part of society, and we’re seeing a massive shift within art and design and related disciplines. This presents unique challenges and areas of concern, but I advocate an ‘artist-first’ philosophy with human creativity at its core, to support and navigate what this means for art and design education.    

“In my years in the industry across Design, VFX, Animation and Immersive I’ve always had strong relationships with academia. In my new role as Visiting Professor, I want to encourage students to be objective and open-minded beyond the current hype and negativity surrounding the potential of Generative AI.  I am looking forward to providing insights to the School on best practice and emerging trends where technologies can be applied to future-proof the next generation of art and design practitioners, from a creative, ethical and industry perspective. 

Professor Helen Julia Minors, Head of School of the Arts at York St John University, said she was delighted to welcome Andrew to the University, and his potential to challenge and explore how York St John uses technologies creativity and critically. 
 
“Andrew's appointment comes just as our Office for Students’ funded Design Centre Build Project draws to a conclusion and is part of our developing design portfolio work advancing immersive technologies,  including AI, VR and AR. 
 
“With over 3 decades of experience in 3D computing and and now leading on AI Immersion, Andrew will be bringing a wealth of knowledge, having worked and collaborated with major organisations in the sector. 
 
“Andrew will advise on how the landscape is changing for the creative industries and how, as a University, we need to be aware and agile to be ahead of the curve.  His leadership will help us explore new opportunities to adopt and embed AI within our creative practices, strengthening innovation and future-facing design.” 
 
Find out more about our Design courses at York St John.