Hello!Reflecting on the work we've done on video games for education and public impact, Digital Lab Education Coordinator Sarah Slingluff and I put heads together on how to bring a concise intro to the vibrant art, architecture, and histories of Muslim societies and Islamic civilization around the globe to wider audiences.The Digital Lab Academy is the result.It launches 30 June and will be taught online by Sarah, so participants can join from anywhere. It's short and to-the-point. It's open...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Save the date! July 2-4 Islamic Art, Games/XR, & GLAM: Scotland Join us 2-4 July! Photo: Forever Edinburgh Hello Reader! I'm happy to announce our first Digital Lab Days event in Scotland. It will kick off 2-3 July 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland, with an optional 4 July field trip to Glasgow. This event will bring together our Digital Lab community members and anyone who shares our interest in bridging academic, video games/entertainment/XR+, and cultural heritage sectors for positive social...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
On Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 17:00, Glaire Anderson will speak at The Bristol Digital Games Lab, on “Lessons from ‘Leaving Arabistan’: New Possibilities for Academic & Games Industry Collaborations”. The Bristol Digital Game Lab at the University of Bristol is a leader in the study and development of games for public good. Sited at the intersection of academia and the games industry, the Lab acts as a catalyst for thinking about and with games in the creative city of Bristol, exploring complex...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Our partnership with Arafa developed in the same spirit as our work on Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage (with Digital Lab team providing historical expertise, and Arafa designing the iconic crest and the in-game calligraphy used for the game’s skill trees). Although we worked with Ubisoft independently our mutual desire to bring knowledge of Islamic art and history to wider audiences is very much aligned. There are still a few spots left - It’s hosted by the Digital Lab on Zoom, and we hope...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Spring Updates It's been a busy spring in the Digital Lab! In February we wrapped up the concept phase for Digital Munya 3, our collaboration with Maxime Durand and an international student team. Stay tuned for more on Digital Munya 3 soon. For now, here's a roundup of upcoming events, including a call for proposals for our first Digital Lab Day! Digital Cultural Heritage Seminar, April 8th and 9th (online) AOA - ARCHiVe Online Academy, the joint educational programme between Factum...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Next month I'll be teaming up with one of my games industry collaborators, historian Raphaël Weyland (Ubisoft), for a games industry + academia hybrid event. We'll be talking about our work on the 'History of Baghdad' educational Codex feature from Assassin's Creed Mirage. 'This event aims to bridge academic research and the gaming industry by fostering interdisciplinary connections and career pathways for Arts and Humanities students and staff.' Details linked below. Hope to see...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Winter news from the Digital Lab, January 2025 Córdoba in the Age of the Caliphs | Applications are closing soon for our masterclass on the Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, and history of Córdoba. Apply by 31 January if you'd like to meet us in Spain this spring! Information and how to apply: Visit our website for info With Dr. Rafael Blanco, our collaborator at the University of Córdoba, 2023 Islamic Archaeology Day 2025, UCL London Visit the UCL website for info The 9th annual...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Córdoba in the Age of the Caliphs | 2025 Join us this Spring for the third annual Córdoba in the Age of the Caliphs experience in Spain! This is our masterclass introducing Cordoba’s UNESCO world heritage sites and museum collections, focusing on the medieval Islamic art, architecture, and archaeology of this important historical city. For students and professionals in games/entertainment, cultural heritage, and education. Deadline to apply: 31 January 2025 Click here for details What our...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Season's Greetings Happy holidays! It's been a very busy Fall, and the Digital Lab is signing off for the Edinburgh winter break. Thank you for being part of our global community this year and supporting our mission to make Islamic art and history widely accessible. We look forward to seeing you again in 2025! Til then, wishing you and yours a very peaceful and joyous holiday season. Warm wishes, Glaire & the Digital Lab team p.s. If you'd like to join us in Spain this spring, early...
6 months ago • 1 min read