Andrew Darley, the acclaimed author of Visual Digital Culture: Surface Play and Spectacle in New Media Genres (Routledge, 2000), a book which has helped shape contemporary cultural theory, will deliver the keynote address at the Persistence of Animation Conference. As to the theme of his address, he writes to say that the “topic I have in mind is that of the conference title itself, i.e., `The persistence of animation.’ I find the title thought provoking and I’d like to offer more considered reflections and thoughts on its possible significance and implications.”

The core of Darley’s research interests are in the fields of new media technologies and visual culture and film and animation studies. He has published on the history of digital imaging, animation and digital aesthetics, and animation and education. His book, Visual Digital Culture, examines digital imaging techniques across a range of contemporary media, investigating the relationship between evolving digital technologies and existing media and considering the effect of these new image forms on the experience of visual culture. His recent research explores questions surrounding the popular representation of new technology and science. He is currently researching and writing a book on cybernetics and the cinema. Darley’s current academic role is that of Reader in Animation and New Media and Research Degrees Leader at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) based in Farnham, Surrey, UK.