The full record behind the About page. Publications are listed on their own page.

Academic Posts

YearsPostInstitution
2025–Professor of Immersive Arts and TechnologiesNorwich University of the Arts
2024–Director, Institute for Creative TechnologiesNorwich University of the Arts
2020–2024Principal Research Fellow / Associate Professor of Creative TechnologiesCambridge School of Creative Industries, Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
2020Innovation Strategy ConsultantAnglia Ruskin University
2013–2019Reader, Digital Media ArtsDept of Music and Media, School of Arts, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
2008–2013Senior Lecturer, Interactive Media PracticeSchool of Media, Film and Music, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK
2005–2008Lecturer (B), Digital Fine ArtsLancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
2003–2004MA tutor, Dance UnlimitedTheatre School, Amsterdam Academy of the Arts (Theaterschool, Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten), and Codarts, Rotterdam Dance Academy (Rotterdamse Dansacademie), Netherlands
2002–2003Research Associate, SMARTlab CentreCentral St Martins, London Institute (now University of the Arts London), London, UK
2001–2002Research Associate, ArtEZ Digitaal AtelierArtEZ, joint venture setting up cross-departmental digital arts collaborations between Visual Arts Academy, Arnhem (AbKvA, Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten), Academy of Arts and Industry Enschede (Academie voor Kunst en Industrie), and Visual Arts Academy Kampen/Zwolle (CABK, Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten), Netherlands
1995–1996Research Associate, Art and Media SciencesAcademy of Media Arts, Cologne (Künstlerische / Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter: Kunst und Medienwissenschaft, Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln, KHM), Germany
1994–1995Research Assistant, Art and Media SciencesAcademy of Media Arts, Cologne (Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft, Kunst und Medienwissenschaft, KHM), Germany
1994Visiting Artist / Guest Lecturer, Interactive Virtual EnvironmentsTampere School of Art and Communication, Finland
1992–1994Research Fellow, Media Design (Mediengestaltung)Academy of Media Arts (KHM), Cologne, Germany
1991Teaching AssistantSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago, with Prof John Grimes of the Institute of Design, IIT

Creative Industries

2019–presentFounder, Director, Rougher Cut Productions, London, UKWorking with a strategic communications company in Iraq/Syria to create immersive heritage and persuasive games for internally displaced children.
2012–2013Founder, Director, Motion Base, Brighton, UKWorked with Sussex Innovation Centre to develop a commercial prototype stroke rehabilitation game based on motion analysis tools and methods developed for performance and Digital Humanities research.
2001–2005Founder, Director, Blue Haptic BV, Amsterdam, NLSole proprietor company through which I subcontracted from other companies and directed teams of freelancers in the development of video games. Clients included ABN Amro, Babel Media, Sky Television, Asics and THQ.
  • My Horse and Me. Woedend, JES B.V., released by Atari for Nintendo Wii. Directed the initial game design team to create a prototype game and secure funding.
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. Babel Media, THQ, GSC et al. Tech director and senior developer for the live online test system for a major FPS.
  • Freekick Pro. Woedend, Blue Haptic, Amsterdam. Lead programmer: 3D web game developed for an Amsterdam football team.
1997–2000Co-Founder, Co-Director, Bomb Productions, New York / London14-person production company funded directly by Channel Four to build and maintain its websites and games related to individual television programmes and commissions. As Technical Director, I specified all hardware, trained programmers, and developed the structure and critical software for all databases, chat systems and electronic programme guides (EPGs).
  • Recall Radio. Babel Media and Bomb Productions. Tech director and lead programmer for web-based Flash and MP3 streaming.
  • Thinkwell. Thinkwell, Austin, and Bomb Productions, New York. Lead programmer and consultant for a distance learning system delivering streaming tutorials.
1997Creative Director / Senior Producer, Online Magic, Agency.com network, New York / LondonOnline agency owned by DDB Needham and Omnicom Group. I produced minisites for video game producers THQ and GT Interactive before taking over as Senior Producer for the Economist Group.
  • Clients. THQ, GT Interactive, The Economist, Economist Intelligence Unit
1994–1996Freelance designer / programmer, Cologne and London
  • The Net3. Illuminations Television, London, for BBC2. Designed, programmed and translated content from the television series to the website.
1990–1992Systems Manager, Techtron Studio, Wace USA, Chicago
1986–1989Managing Director, Integrator Newspaper, Potsdam, NY
1985–1986Production Manager, WCKN TV, Potsdam, NY

Funded research

Research Council funding (RCUK/UKRI)

2026–27Flood Visualisation (Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) Data Visualisation)NERC Capital Award£500,000; £245,000 to Norwich University of the ArtsLed by Gemma Coxon (Bristol), with Woolford (Norwich) and Everard (UKCEH). Awarded 21 November 2025; runs 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027
2026–27AKT between Norwich University of the Arts and SaxonAir Flight Support LimitedInnovateUK£25,589 (£23,030 from InnovateUK)Applicants: Prof Kirk Woolford and Thomas Abs; co-applicant: Saxon Air. Awarded September 2026; runs November 2026 to February 2027
2022–23Green Walks: Healthy AgeingESRC/Zinc, Healthy Ageing Catalyst, Healthy Longevity Global Challenge, ES/X006603/1£50,350PI: Kirk Woolford
2019vRSP Follow-onAHRC Follow-on Funding Impact & Engagement, AH/S010610/1£32,168; direct allocation £27,274.46PI: Kirk Woolford; CI: Tony Myatt; industry partner: Michael Price
2018vRSP: virtual (Re)Sounding of PlaceAHRC/EPSRC Next Generation of Immersive Experiences, AH/R010161/1£59,828; direct allocation £55,556.50PI: Kirk Woolford; CI: Tony Myatt; industry partner: Michael Price
2015–16Breakdown HarmonicaAHRC Digital Transformations, AH/M010279/1£39,077; direct allocation £20,925PI: Erma Johnson-Jones; CI: Kirk Woolford (mentoring a junior colleague in her first AHRC-funded project)
2012–13Now/Then: Documenting, Publishing and Disseminating Objects & ExperiencesAHRC Skill Development Fund, AH/K004719/1£3,000PI: Kirk Woolford; CI: Cecile Chevalier (mentoring a PhD student in her first funded project)
2010–13Motion in Place Platform (MiPP)AHRC, Digital Equipment and Databases for Impact (DEDEFI), AH/H037675/1£434,345; direct allocation £371,131PI: Kirk Woolford; CIs: Norman (Sussex), White (Sussex), Hedges (King’s), Bailey (Bedford)
2008–09CREATOR: New Research Processes and Business Models for the Creative IndustriesEPSRC, Joint RCUK Digital Economies cluster grant£210,363; direct allocation £31,212PI: Steve Benford (Nottingham); CIs: Foster (Sheffield), Woolford (Lancaster)

Government funding

2025–26Broads Catchment Partnership Development Plan (BCP)DEFRA, Rural Payments Agency, Water Restoration Fund£205,376.49; £66,632.70 to Norwich University of the ArtsLed by the Broads Authority, with Woolford as Norwich lead. Runs May 2025 to 18 March 2026
2022–26Digital Health Innovation HubEssex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT). Five-year partnership between Anglia Ruskin University and EPUT£750,000PI: Barbara Pierscionek; CIs: Kirk Woolford, Silvia Cirstea

University funding

2015STAGE: Platform for STrategic Alignment with the Games and Entertainment IndustryUniversity of Surrey Cross-Faculty Research Fund, with matched industry funding£5,000 University of Surrey; £2,000 CRS (industry sponsor)Joint Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing (CVSSP, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences) and Digital Media Arts (School of Arts)
2012–13Motion Base: Motion AnalysisUniversity of Sussex Enterprise Development Fund£50,326PI: Kirk Woolford. Initial support for commercialisation of research and development of a prototype stroke rehabilitation game
2012–13Going Digital: A Creative Introduction to Digital Humanities Research SkillsAHRC Skill Development Fund, Consortium for Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE)£59,900; direct allocation £3,021PI: Pamela Cox (Essex); Woolford named researcher
2009Rings AroundCreative Campus Initiative, University of Sussex and University of Brighton£5,876Interactive installation
2006Observing Nature, Performing EcologyLancaster University seed funding grant£3,500With Richard Bardgett (Environmental Science) and Carl Lavery (Theatre Studies)

Creative industries funding and commissions

2014Occupation: 5 Songs that Changed the WorldBBC/Arts Council England, The Space; awarded to Welsh National Opera£30,000; direct allocation £5,000Creative Director: Tim Hopkins; Interactive Director: Kirk Woolford
2011Strictly Motion Capture PilotBBC Cross Platform£7,200PI: Woolford. Pilot exploring inertial motion capture and video game engines for second-screen broadcast
2011–12Concerto X: GuimarãesCommission for Guimarães European Capital of Culture€35,000; direct allocation €4,000With C. Guedes, J.M. Burfen, et al.
2007Storey Creative Industries CentreEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Arts Council England and Lancaster City Council£4,521,550One of 12 board members securing the total funding package
2005My Horse and Me (working title: The Pony Game), AmsterdamInvestment funding for production of a video game€1,250,000Raised with JES BV, Woedend BV, Jochem v.d. Spek and Marc Schmidt
2004Will.0.W1spAmsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst€15,000
2003Côr: Cyber Music @ Casa da MúsicaCommission for Festival Obra Aberta, Casa da Música, Porto€25,000With Carlos Guedes and Ula Li
2002Reckless EyesPlaying Fields commission, Montevideo, Nederlands Instituut voor Mediakunst€3,000 plus residency
2002Reckless EyesBabel Media, Brighton£2,000 equipment grant
1999contoursMinistry of School and Science, Nordrhein-WestfalenDM 10,000Co-directed with Susan Kozel
1999contoursSouth East Arts£10,000Co-directed with Susan Kozel
1998Bomb Productions Ltd.Channel Four, London£240,000 co-fundingWith Finbar Hawkins, to set up the company
1998figmentsEvent Coast, National Lottery Fund£12,000 commissionCo-directed with Susan Kozel
1998contoursArts Council of England£12,000Co-directed with Susan Kozel
1998contoursSouth East Dance Agency£4,000 grant and admin supportCo-directed with Susan Kozel
1994CyberSM IIIISEA and Silicon Graphics equipment grantDM 50,000 (approx. £22,000)Development and presentation of CyberSM III, co-directed with Stahl Stenslie

Commissions

2013Kusho: written in the airCo-commission, Brighton Digital Festival and Brighton Japan FestivalBrighton, 13–17 September 2013
2011–12Concerto X: GuimarãesGuimarães European Capital of Culture€35,000; direct allocation €4,000With C. Guedes, J.M. Burfen, et al.
2009Echo LocationsFrog Design and University of Texas Austin, for South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi)Interactive installation, Austin, 14 March 2009
2005Listening Between the LinesArs Electronica, LinzLive performance with the Bruckner House Orchestra, broadcast live on ORF
2003Côr: Cyber Music @ Casa da MúsicaFestival Obra Aberta, Casa da Música, Porto€25,000With Carlos Guedes and Ula Li
2002Reckless EyesPlaying Fields, Montevideo, Nederlands Instituut voor Mediakunst€3,000 plus residency
2001WinterSpaceHoxton Hall, LondonInteractive CGI installation
2000Rome & JewelsRennie Harris Puremovement and Soundlab, PhiladelphiaReactive CGI for live performance, 60 mins
1999–2000Blur BuildingDiller + Scofidio, for Swiss Expo 2002Member of the interactive installation project team
1998figmentsEvent Coast, National Lottery Fund£12,000Co-directed with Susan Kozel
1991Dis-organizedKTCA-TV, Minneapolis, for “Alive from Off Center, Dances in Exile”Uncredited dancer, 8 mins

Conference/Workshop Leadership

2023–25Living in Changing LandscapesPractice-research workshops using creative technologies to offer positive scenarios for re-creating wetlands and coastal areas in the Norfolk Broads and Cambridgeshire Fens. Initial workshops at Norwich University of the Arts, Babylon Arts and Anglia Ruskin University, June 2023 to 2025
2022–25Art//Tech//PlaySeries of workshops, lectures and events at Cambridge Junction, DanceEast (Ipswich), Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich Theatre, Collusion, King’s Lynn Arts Centre, Norwich University of the Arts and Anglia Ruskin University, October 2022 to 2025Project mentor and co-funder
2019guildford.games festivalGuildford, 27–29 June 2019Co-founder and organising committee
2018G3 Futures: Galvanising Guildford GamesGuildford, 4 July 2018Co-founder and organising committee
2017International Workshop on Movement and Computing (MOCO ’17)London, 29–30 June 2017Papers chair and organising committee
2017G3 Futures: Galvanising Guildford GamesGuildford, 5 July 2017Co-founder and organising committee
2016G3 Futures: Galvanising Guildford GamesGuildford, 29 June 2016Co-founder and organising committee
2015G3 Futures: Galvanising Guildford GamesGuildford, 1 July 2015Co-founder and organising committee
2011Motion in Place Launch WorkshopAttenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, 7–9 July 2011, in collaboration with the Motion in Place Platform projectCo-organiser
2010Motion Capture MethodologiesAHESSC (Arts & Humanities e-Science Support Centre) and JISC, 25–26 June 2010, in collaboration with the Motion in Place Platform projectCo-organiser
2009Biodigital lives: making, consuming and archiving the lives of technoscienceCentre for Material Digital Culture, University of Sussex, 14 July 2009Panel chair
2009Sounds and Voices of HistoryJournal of Media Practice, 13 July 2009Panel chair
2009Capturing Motion/Data/ValueCRUCIBLE (Research in Interdisciplinary Design) and Rainbow Graphics and Interaction Group, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, 5–8 January 2009Co-organiser
2008CREATOR: Networking workshopMixed Reality Lab, University of Nottingham, 14–15 July 2008Co-organiser and steering committee member
2008CREATOR: Launch workshopMixed Reality Lab, University of Nottingham, 22 May 2008Co-organiser and steering committee member
2007–08DRHA 2008, Digital Resources in the Humanities and Arts conferenceUniversity of CambridgeProgramme committee member
2007Questioning TechnologyTeDance: Technologically Expanded Dance International Conference, Culturgest, Lisbon, 24 November 2007Panel chair
2007TeDance: Technologically Expanded Dance International ConferenceCulturgest, LisbonProgramme committee member
2006–07DRHA 2007, Digital Resources in the Humanities and Arts conferenceDartington College of ArtsProgramme committee member
2006Art, Politics, and the Life Sciences symposiumICR/History, Lancaster University, 10 May 2006Panel chair
2005Radiator and Digital Cultures Symposium on Performance, Dance, and Technology ArtNottingham Trent University, 3 December 2005Panel chair
2002Media MassageSymposium, ArtEZ Digitaal Atelier, Amsterdam, with Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Arnhem and Academie voor Kunst & Vormgeving EnschedeCo-director and co-chair
1994–95Digitale 1995, The Digital AuteursKunsthochschule für Medien Köln (Academy of Media Arts Cologne)Co-founder and co-chair
1992SIGGRAPH 1992 Art ShowChicagoInternational telematic arts coordinator

Exhibitions and performances

YearWorkVenue
2025Jinn-Ginnaye: PalmyraNorfolk and Norwich Festival
2025Echoes under the WaterNew Scientist Live, ExCeL London. Water Restoration Fund immersive installation, 18–20 October 2025
2025Norfolk Flooding“Can the Seas Survive Us”, Sainsbury Centre, Norwich. Large-format video projection screening, 1–10 July 2025
2024Reshaping LandscapesCambridge Festival
2024Jinn-Ginnaye: PalmyraBody Matters, AHRA 2024 International Conference, Norwich University of the Arts
2022Faust Shop: New LandsSook, Grafton Centre, Cambridge
2021–22Jinn-GinnayeWrong Biennale, incl. Réseaux-mondes, Centre Pompidou
2019PhoturiaValuing Nature, Royal Society, London
2019Immersed in Nature: an immersive review of Virtual/Augmented Reality appsValuing Nature, Royal Society, London
2018JinnFestival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto; NYU Abu Dhabi
2018vRSPAHRC Next Generation Immersive Experiences Showcase, York
2018virtually (Re)Sounding Place (vRSP)CVSSP/EPSRC/UK Acoustics Network (UKAN) Audio Day, Guildford
2017Jinn-GinnayeInternational Workshop on Movement and Computing (MOCO ’17), Goldsmiths, University of London. Motion capture site-specific VR/AR installation, July 2017
2017Jinn-GinnayeUniversity of Surrey. Motion capture site-specific VR/AR installation, January 2017
2016JinnNYU Abu Dhabi. Live music and dance performances, March–April 2016
2014Moments in Place: Abu DhabiISEA 2014
2012Concerto X: GuimarãesGuimarães European Capital of Culture
2011Motions in PlaceWhite Nights Nuit Blanche, Brighton and Hove City Council. Augmented reality and motion capture dance installation, 3 locations, 29 October 2011
2008–09Echo LocationsSIGGRAPH 08, Los Angeles; SXSW Interactive, Austin
2008Storey Inside/OutStorey Creative Industries Centre, Lancaster. Photographic installation documenting the month-by-month renovation of a Victorian building, 1,200+ images projected on scaffolding and in the tourist information centre, December 2007 – October 2008
2007Observing Nature: Performing EcologyLancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University. Photographic exhibition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 20 prints, 120 digital images, February–March 2007
2006Will.0.w1spInspiration to Order, California State University, Stanislaus. Interactive CGI installation, 26 September – 25 October 2006
2005ChainingLudus Dance, Dance Cuts, Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster. Reactive CGI stage set, 13 September 2005
2005Will.0.w1spDance Shorts, Overtoom 301, Amsterdam. Interactive CGI installation, 14 July 2005
2005Will.0.w1spWaag Society for Old and New Media, Amsterdam. Interactive CGI installation, 16–18 March 2005
2004–07Will.0.W1spWaag Society, Ars Electronica, ACM Multimedia and others
2004Côr: Cyber Music @ Casa da MúsicaFestival Obra Aberta, Casa da Música, Porto. Reactive CGI installation, 10,000 viewers, 20–24 June 2004
2004Will.0.w1spMediamatic Salon, Mediamatic, Amsterdam. Interactive CGI installation and conference participation, 4 July 2004
2001Viking ShoppersEncontros ACARTE, Centro de Arte Moderna, Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon. Live performance with reactive CGI, 20–22 September 2001
2001WinterSpaceCommissioned by Hoxton Hall, London. Interactive CGI installation, February 2001
2000contoursGallery, Nottingham. Live performance and installation, education workshop
2000contoursSt Mary’s, Hastings. Live performance and installation
2000Im Fliegenden RaumZentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie (ZKM), Karlsruhe. Dance performance with reactive computer graphics, 60 mins, 1999
2000Rome & JewelsRennie Harris Puremovement and Soundlab, Philadelphia. Commissioned reactive CGI for live performance, 60 mins, 2 October 2000
2000Viking ShoppersHoxton Hall, London. Live performance with reactive CGI, November 2000
2000Viking ShoppersDigital Summer, Green Room, Manchester. Live performance with reactive CGI, October 2000
2000Viking ShoppersJackson’s Lane, London. Live performance with reactive CGI, 8–10 June 2000
2000Wie man sieht… (cyberSM)Part of the KHM show, Museum Ludwig, Cologne
1999–2000ContoursFabrica, Brighton; The Place, London
1999Hotel New York residencyPS1 (MoMA), New York
1999contoursUniversity of Surrey, Guildford. Live performance and installation, education workshop
1999contoursDance Screen 99, Cologne. Live performance and installation, education workshop
1999contoursFabrica, Brighton. Live performance and installation
1999Hotel New York ResidencyPS1 (MoMA), New York. Performances of work in progress
1998King KanutMigratory Bodies, Chichester College, Chichester. Dance and video installation, August 1998
1998LiftlinkBrighton Festival, Brighton Media Centre. Live telematic dance performance, May 1998
1996Moving TargetCharleroi Danses, Charleroi. Virtual set for live performance, toured by the company 1996–1998
1996Multi-MedeaFuture Moves, Lantaren Venster, Rotterdam. Live motion capture dance performance, July 1996
1996SHIPLLa Nuit du Centenaire de la Radio, Cologne and Arles. Live streaming broadcast, 60 mins, 27 July 1996
1995AOL, Tessla CallingArt Cologne, Kölnischer Kunstverein, Cologne. Audio sculpture and dancer performance, 11–19 November 1995
1994cyberSMISEA ’94, Helsinki; Boulevard Bio, WDR
1994Amplified BodyKunsthochschule für Medien, Cologne. Assisted Stelarc and conducted interview, October 1994
1994cyberSMBoulevard Bio, WDR, Bonn and Cologne. Telematic CGI installation and performance, live broadcast, 20 mins
1994cyberSMPlanet Sex Ball, London. Telematic CGI installation and performance
1994Ex MachinaCharleroi Danses, Charleroi. Video animations for stage set, toured by the company 1994–1996
1993Message in a BottleElectronic Café Aarhus, Aarhus Festival. Telematic painting performance, 6–9 September 1993
1993New Digital Media: Two American Artists in KölnArt Cologne, Amerika Haus, Cologne. CGI photographs, 12 images, November–December 1993
1992Electronic Café InternationalSIGGRAPH 92, Chicago. Technical director, international networking, 26–31 July 1992
1991Dis-organizedCommissioned by KTCA-TV, Minneapolis, for broadcast on “Alive from Off Center, Dances in Exile”, Chicago. Uncredited dancer, 8 mins, 3–17 July 1991
1990High AtmosphereDance Expo ’90, MoMing Center, Chicago. Uncredited dancer, 20 mins, 3 August 1990

Broadcast

YearWorkBroadcaster
2014Me the Machine, interactive performance system for Imogen Heap’s music videoReleased online
2013Gestural interfaces for the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures (Windfall Films)BBC2
2009Will.0.video, Dance for Camera ShortsChannel 4
2005Will.0.w1sp, part of the Ars Electronica “Listening Between the Lines” performancesORF, 6 September 2005
1994cyberSM, covered extensively on European televisionEurotrash, Season 2, Episode 2, Rapido TV for Channel Four (UK); Spiegel TV, VOX; Boulevard Biolek, WDR; Liebe Sünde, VOX; Aspekte, ZDF; WiSo, ZDF (Germany)

Education

YearQualificationInstitution
2023–26Professional Certificate, Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Professional Program)Stanford University School of Engineering
2020PhD by published works: reCreate, reMove, and rePlace: Digital Media Arts in AcademiaUniversity of Surrey
1992MS DesignInstitute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology
1989BS Computer Science and Mathematics; BS HumanitiesClarkson University

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