RMIT welcomes Seb Chan as Adjunct Professor

At the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Chan is responsible for a holistic, multi-channel, visitor-centred design strategy for the institution as it undergoes a new stage in its evolution.

Prior to ACMI, Chan was Director of Digital and Emerging Media at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York where he led the museum’s digital renewal and its transformation into an interactive, playful new design museum reopened after a three year rebuilding and reimagining. 

His team’s work won awards from the American Association of Museums and Museums and the Web, One Club, D&AD, Fast Company Innovation by Design, Core77 Design Awards, and has been featured in Slate, The Verge, Fast Company and elsewhere. 

He was also the former Head of Digital, Social and Emerging Technologies at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney where he led teams responsible for the Powerhouse’s pioneering work throughout the ’00s in open access, mass collaboration, and digital engagement, as well as large scale Australian cross-agency creative projects. 

Deputy Dean of Design, Games, Interaction, Professor Laurene Vaughan said Seb Chan has been a member of the RMIT extended community for some years now. 

“His three year appointment as Adjunct Professor in Design formalises the vibrant contributions he has made thus far to our research and teaching,” she said.

“Throughout his career and in his various roles, Seb has been a great advocate for integrating students with the culture sector here in Australia and when he was in New York. 

“We are excited about this appointment and there are already a range of projects and studio opportunities developing for students and staff to work with Seb and his team at ACMI.”

Chan said he was excited to explore new ways to deepen both the research and creative relationships between RMIT's students and academic work and ACMI. 

“As a new resident of Melbourne, arriving from four years in New York, I've been excited to observe RMIT's centrality to the creative life of the city and I can see a huge number of opportunities for collaborations across research, as well as how ACMI supports new pathways in teaching and the for RMIT's student body, “ he said.

"The timing which coincides with ACMI's major renewal and reimagining couldn't be better."

Story: Wendy Little