This week’s episode of Seasonal Discussions marks a milestone moment for Aberdeen’s creative community as host Chris McDonald welcomes Zara Weston, co-founder of SZN Media, and Aleksandra Clunas, lecturer and animator, to the studio on the very day they officially launch Aberdeen Animates.
Aberdeen Animates is a brand-new micro-animation initiative designed to showcase and support local talent across the North-East. With submissions now open for short-form animations, the project aims to bring together students, emerging creators, and experienced animators for a community celebration night in April 2026.
In the episode, Zara and Aleksandra share the story of how their collaboration began, from first meeting during Zara’s time at NESCol, to reconnecting later through their shared passion for building a stronger animation scene in Aberdeen. What started as a small idea quickly gained momentum, evolving into a dedicated platform designed to spotlight creativity, encourage new voices, and raise the profile of animation in the region.
Listeners will hear first-hand about their vision for Aberdeen Animates, the opportunities it hopes to create, and how the project fits into the wider growth of Aberdeen’s cultural landscape. From inspiring local talent to strengthening industry pathways, their enthusiasm for supporting the next generation of animators shines through.
