The Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln is a forum for art, technology and science. Since starting classes in October i 990, a course of studies entitled "Audiovisual Media" has been offe­ red as a supplementary four-semester program for those who wish to continue their education. In October of 1994, an eight-semester course of studies was added, including a diploma upon graduation. This integrated program offers a large number of classes within four core subjects: Media Art, Media Design TV and Film, Art and Media Science. Students can focus on individual interests, but different angles and ways of thinking are sure to come together: theory meets practical design, artistic phantasies are confronted with technological programs. The media-related differences in study content become apparent: among them are the established audiovisual media TV and cinema, areas of media design like screen design and CD-ROM, fields of media art comprising such diverse art forms as photo­ graphy, holography, video-oriented forms, and electronic interactions. The arising area of conflict is a challenge to students and professors alike and calls for united work towards a shared utopian vision. The focal point of this work is to connect processes and theory within the academic practice, while in everyday life the two fields are often disjointed. This necessitates the creation of an identity with respect to culture and the media that acknowledges its ties to society, politics and aesthetics. The Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (KHM) in its phase of inception is part and expression of the societal process of an electronic innovation that characterizes the end of the century. In this re­spect, the works presented can be understood as examples for a changing conception of art. Shorts. This abbreviation refers to works either created in seminars or through personal initiatives of students. The spontaneity and diversity of these works serves best to illustrate the range of creative potential at the KHM.
Documentation. Though always controversial, the documentation of installations, performances, and actions related to media art has always been of central importance. It can be understood as an evolving and largely overlooked way of artistic expression that serves the dual function of trying to explain meanings and of serving to complement the art works themselves. Graduation Projects. The wide range of graduation projects at the KHM includes layouts for extensive documentations as well as movies - TV design as well as computer-operated installations - and photography as well as video installations. Research Projects. An important goal arising from the KHM's self definition is to conceptualize media perspectives for the future, to anticipate new media territories, and to experimentally explore them.