Bath Spa University and the University of Parma have teamed up to develop a new series of illustrated art and design books celebrating the fantastic collection in the CSAS archive, publishing these in a digital format (Italian and English language) and possibly print (Italian language). Students are also investigating the potential for promotional social media content development, examining Italian social media platforms and use. This project is led by Katharine Reeve (Publishing Subject Leader, BSU) and Francesca Zanella (Director, CSAC, University of Parma) with a Year 3 ‘Digital Publishing’ module student team (over two academic years: 2015-16, 2016-17).

This is the first GALA project for the Publishing team and it will help develop practical links abroad, inspire more international work within modules and – it is hoped – might encourage students to learn conversational Italian!

The Publishing subject area has a growing international focus with an emphasis on creative content development (e.g. art and design books, children’s books) for a global audience. Staff and students will now focus on developing international collaborative working on digital books, magazines, social media, and mobile for creative and cultural content, feature journalism, and social enterprise.

Two Year 3 Publishing students have just completed the editorial and design and production work to produce a digital publication for international social enterprise, Motivation (publication: Spring 2016 to celebrate their 25^th anniversary).

A group of year 2 and 3 Publishing students, along with students from other subject areas, are currently working on the R&D for a student-produced App publication for the international GALA student community.

It is hoped that this connection will facilitate other opportunities for student exchanges/ collaborative project working – for example with University of Parma’s Journalism and Publishing dept. where there is a focus, similar to that at BSU, on digital publishing.