With passionate and award-winning student filmmakers and animators who are making their mark in the industry, it is no secret that the Institute of Arts and Design (IAD) of the University of Makati is home to many talents in the field of multimedia as they rise and shine in every way possible with their successful projects and outputs.

This streak of accomplishments was honed in the course of IAD’s history, tracing back to 2001 when it was founded as the Center for Performing and Digital Arts (CEPDA). Thirteen years later, it was renamed the Center for Broadcast and Digital Arts (CBDA), shifting focus to digital media and dropping performing arts courses. As part of a university-wide restructuring in 2017, it merged with the liberal arts departments to form the College of Arts and Letters (CAL). Then, in 2024, the college transformed into an independent institute, adopting the name Institute of Arts and Design.

These changes also come with a new strategic direction for IAD under the leadership of Dean Mary Acel D. German, who has witnessed and spearheaded the institute’s growth since the beginning. Despite her seemingly distant background in history and anthropology, she drew upon her deep understanding of culture and the social sciences to lead a diverse team of faculty members, comprising animators, artists, industry practitioners, academics, and spirited students. She believed that her leadership was molded by the very people she worked with — and that it was the team, past and present, who shaped the Institute into what it is today: a decidedly stronger and more vibrant version of its past.

Innovation is motivation

According to British author and educator Sir Kenneth Robinson, the education sector remains one of the least innovative, often constrained by traditional practices such as standardized curricula and exams, rigid grading systems, and outdated policies — all of which stifle creativity. Inspired by these insights, Dean German set out to challenge the norms and reimagine what education could be.

The fourth industrial revolution, which reached its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, has digitized nearly every aspect of civilization, from work to education. The education sector recognized that it had to adapt to these changes or risk being left behind.

The Dean saw the need to embed the culture of innovation in the vision and mission. “It's almost a cliché, but we need to articulate them, so that everyone is on the same page,” stated Dean German, who noted that IAD is determined to foster an environment of continuous change.

Even the choice of the name "Institute of Arts and Design" was deliberate — not anchored in its literal meaning, but rooted in the concept of "design thinking," explained Dean German: "You think of design not just as aesthetics, but as a way of thinking innovatively." She further challenges loose notions of innovation, emphasizing that true innovation is not simply about doing or seeing things differently; it must also create a meaningful impact on the community and society to truly earn the name.

Project-based Learning

For the institute to innovate and execute its vision and mission, the Dean emphasizes establishing an ecosystem of partners that encompasses both the public and private sectors. These partnerships should provide IAD with opportunities that benefit students, faculty, and the broader community.

Her next set of keywords then focuses on project-based learning, which deviates from traditional methods. “You can start a project on the first day of class, and then lecture as you go along,” mentioned Dean German as one of the many examples of project-based learning instead of the usual lecture-before-application formula. She further emphasized the seamless integration of lecture, laboratory, and experiential learning. “We don’t strictly separate theory from practice,” the esteemed professor noted. “We often mix and match, depending on the timing and feasibility of each intended learning outcome.”

IAD has institutionalized the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all student projects. This policy ensures that students are not only aware of the global challenges addressed by the SDGs but are also actively encouraged to align their creative and academic work with these goals. Whether through film, animation, or research, students are guided to think critically about social, environmental, and economic issues and to position their projects as meaningful contributions to sustainable development.

IAD is one ecosystem on its own

The Dean envisions the IAD as more than just an academic unit—it is an incubation hub where students gain real-world industry experience while still in school. “We are (also) a startup studio and a production house,” Dean German affirmed, highlighting IAD’s wide range of multimedia services offered to partners and clients. This unique setup bridges education and studio work into a single, unified ecosystem. This model of seamless academe-industry practice integration is what sets IAD apart from other colleges and institutes within the university.

The next chapter

The Dean is confident that IAD will continue to grow, not only in terms of its students and faculty but also in its reach and impact, significantly contributing to the Philippines' creative economy. Looking forward, the next step would secure intellectual property rights for the Institute’s diverse projects, ranging from films and animations to research and beyond, with ownership shares to be equitably distributed among the original creators, the Institute, and the University.

Lastly, Dean German embraces the role of serendipity, acknowledging that not everything, especially future plans and outcomes, can be predicted with certainty. She chooses not to be driven by the pressure of awards or rankings, firmly believing that as long as they remain true to their vision and do things the right way, the path will naturally lead to a meaningful and impactful future. “It’s wiser to start now and trust the universe to align in its own time,” reflects Dean German, as IAD forges its bright path as a beacon of innovation and creativity.