Mona Kasra

Mona Kasra is an Iranian-American Associate Professor of Digital Media Design in the Department of Art at the University of Virginia. Her work bridges new media art, projection design, and immersive theatre, exploring political and theoretical implications of visual media technologies across cultural contexts.

• Ph.D. in Arts & Technology from University of Texas-Dallas
• M.F.A. in Video/Digital Art from California State University Northridge
• B.A. in Graphic Design from Art University of Tehran

Her research focuses on hybrid practices integrating digital technologies with live performance, emphasizing audience immersion and narrative reconfiguration. Key areas include:

• Projection mapping for theatrical spaces
• Interactive media installations
• Cross-cultural digital storytelling
• Immersive audience experiences
• Time-space manipulation in performance

Recent creative works demonstrate trends in:

• Site-specific installations (abandoned buildings, warehouses)
• Collaborative design with choreographers/musicians
• Exploration of identity in hyper-mediated environments
• Integration of indigenous rituals with modern technology

Academic leadership roles include:

• Faculty co-lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab
• Chair of ACM SIGGRAPH (2023-2024)
• Board member, New Media Caucus
• Executive Committee member (2019-2025), UVA

Scientific awards:

• Helen Hayes Award nominations for media design (2022)
• United Scenic Artists Local 829 membership

Her transdisciplinary approach has been supported by grants including the Arts Enhancement Grant and collaborations with institutions like the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center.