The historic Fernie Castle in Scotland is about to become the heartbeat of a revolutionary new art movement that brings East and West together in perfect harmony. The ambitious Fernie Cultural Universe project is an MDLG initiative that's all about creating a thriving cultural ecosystem where Eastern philosophy, original animation, and cross-cultural experiences blend seamlessly into one another amidst the picturesque surroundings of the 16th-century castle.
At its core are three interconnected pillars that will form the foundation of this exciting venture. The first, Fernie Animation Castle, is all about transforming the site itself. This involves integrating an exquisite Oriental garden designed by Japanese master Kengo Kuma's team into the existing castle character, creating immersive visitor trails that combine the deep heritage of the medieval fortress with the serenity and striking contrast of an Eastern sanctuary.
The second pillar, Original Animation Development, is the creative engine driving this project forward. Drawing inspiration from the rich mythology and philosophical concepts of the East, the initiative will produce high-quality 2D animated shorts that delve into profound themes such as truth and illusion, self and reflection, and transformation and identity. To achieve this, partnerships have been forged with top European resources across artistic animation, creative production, and international production, including collaborations with leading animation directors, screenwriters, production crews, and visual artists.
The third crucial component is the Digital Animation Art Museum, an online platform designed to transcend geographical limitations and bring the project's original works and cultural experiences to a global audience. Organised around philosophical themes, this curated digital space will seamlessly connect the physical experiences at Fernie Castle with its digital content, ensuring wide dissemination and audience engagement.
The business model behind the Fernie Cultural Universe is structured around these three pillars: the physical space provides the venue and visitor experience, original animation generates content and intellectual property assets, and the digital platform facilitates global reach. Furthermore, the project intends to launch an early co-creation community, inviting members to become active participants and co-builders who will gain phased access to behind-the-scenes materials, including conceptual artwork, creative journals, and philosophical essays.
MD LOCAL GLOBAL LIMITED (MDLG) is spearheading this groundbreaking initiative, with a clear vision of creating a living and evolving cultural universe rather than a static destination. As the Fernie Cultural Universe comes to life, it's set to become a vibrant hub for artistic innovation and cross-cultural exchange that will leave a lasting impact on the world of animation and beyond.