About Us

Colab is an interdisciplinary creative technology centre which aims to facilitate and promote creative practices, research and development, knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration. It brings together arts organizations, practitioners, educational institutions, commercial enterprises, technology developers, industry bodies and communities. It supports the development and public dissemination of hybrid ideas, research and creative practices through convergence technologies, innovative formats, modes and networks.

Colab is both a community of enquiry and a physical meeting-ground for creative practitoners, technologists, innovators and trans-disciplinary educators. The proposal draws on the unique position of AUT University’s Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies which brings together Schools of Art & Design, Mathematics and Computer Science, Engineering and Communication Studies. It is supported by a number of key partners and industry associations including MIC Toi Rerehiko, contemporary creative media and interdisciplinary arts centre; Nextspace, 3D visualisation industry catalyst; and Sun Microsystems.
 Colab is working to build a strong social network of partners and associated organisations


CoLab will foster:
The development of innovative collaborative projects, research and applications, drawn from Colab’s cross disciplinary base across the arts and science.

The formation of a cutting edge Colab Facility based at AUT to support and resource these developments.

An infrastructure of development and delivery systems which will support a broad range of social, cultural, economic and technological initiatives and provide broader access to them.

A pool of high calibre staff and collaborators, drawing on the expertise staff, skilled management and technician support, invited industry experts, world class researchers and practitioners

The dissemination of outcomes through both traditional and experimental channels including products, live performance, exhibition, events, symposia, conferences, publications and networked environments.

New educational and research opportunities across the creative and technology sectors

A robust network of partnerships, organisations, spaces, facilities and expertise, developed to support relationships, collaborations, innovative practices and knowledge sharing.

New teaching and learning opportunities for students, practitioners in the creative sector, professionals in media and technology industries and other TEO partners and community groups.