Dr Maria Christoforou

Dr Maria Christoforou is an interdisciplinary artist and academic in the Interactive Media and Animation programme at the University of Nicosia since 2006. She holds a PhD in Philosophy from Nottingham Trent University, a Master of Arts in interactive Multimedia by the University of the Arts London, a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication from the University of Nicosia and an Associate Degree in Science by the University of Indianapolis.

She has been awarded third prize in the PlayStation London Awards (2002) for the interactive Movie “Elements”, won first prize for the best logo “Against Violence in the Family” association (1998) and first prize for the best Christmas card design for the Telethon Campaign (1998).

She has mounted six solo exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions, festivals and conferences. In her research she explores immersive storytelling artistic methodologies through digital technologies and visual autoethnography. Her research and artwork focus on theories and philosophies of the sublime, interaction and transformation which integrate innovative technologies (i.e. VR 360o video, 3D art, Interactive documentaries) demonstrated in immersive hybrid environments. Furthermore, she was a co-curator of the international project Corona Haikus.

She is a digital artist and playwriter in interactive educational performances which are supported by the Ministry of Education since 2002. The performances aim to challenge the audience’s senses, emotions that combine immersive plot and digital media. Dr Christoforou is an experienced trainer exploring creative techniques in animation, art and graphs, immersive storytelling, tangram and performing arts.

She has written five books published by the UNESCO Chair, the University of Nicosia Press, the Cambridge Scholars and Sean Kingston Publishing. Her articles combine new technologies within social and cultural aspects.