Designer in Residence

In January 2012, Matt Groening, the award-winning creator of Fox’s The Simpsons, pledged $500,000 to the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television to create the Matt Groening Endowed Chair in Animation at UCLA TFT. The endowment enables the animation program to bring master artists and working professionals with wide-ranging expertise to work with UCLA TFT students, some of whom would not normally be available in the animation curriculum. This endowed chair transcends the boundaries of traditional education by infusing the academic realm with real-world insights. By fostering direct engagement with accomplished artists and professionals like Groening, students are afforded a unique vantage point into the inner workings of all aspects of animation. This invaluable exposure not only enriches their understanding of the art and craft but also fuels their aspirations by providing access to perspectives that wouldn’t typically be found within the confines of a standard curriculum. As these artists and experts share their wealth of experiences, techniques, and creative philosophies, they illuminate the path toward innovation and excellence for the next generation of animators.