School of Visual Arts Chooses Visual Magnetics for Social Innovation Lab Installations

MENDON, MA--(Marketwire - Aug 7, 2012) -  Visual Magnetics® (@VisualMagnetics), developer of the revolutionary Visual Magnetics Graphic System™ that matches magnetic-receptive technologies with high-quality print media, today announced that the School of Visual Arts in New York City has incorporated a range of Visual Magnetics materials in the construction of an Innovation Lab that will be the heart of its new Design for Social Innovation master's program, which is geared toward designers looking for meaningful and engaging work through which they can make a significant contribution to society.

In addition to its extensive success in the retail design industry, Visual Magnetics materials are ideal to incorporate into architectural projects that aim to create an environment with a perfect blend of elegant aesthetics and high functionality, such as design studios, within firms and higher education institutions.

Visual Magnetics' Dynamic Spaces™ concept utilizes the company's innovative magnetic-receptive graphics materials to unlock the potential of ordinary walls. A Dynamic Space is a wall-to-wall interactive environment with the versatility to adjust and evolve as needed; walls can be transformed based on practical requirements or aesthetic preferences. A wide range of Visual Magnetics MagnaMedia® can be combined for a custom mix of high functionality and visual excitement. MagnaMedia wide-format printable substrates fall into three major categories: writable surfaces, photo-quality films and digital fabrics. 

Dynamic Spaces will provide a truly hands-on experience where ideas can flow naturally and innovation can be born collaboratively. MagnaMedia writable materials such as dry erase or chalkboard wallcoverings create sprawling workspace surfaces not limited to a digital screen. Graphics of any size can be integrated into a Dynamic Space; when printed on MagnaMedia, graphic elements such as murals, way finding signs, event posters and student exhibition signage can be applied with ease.

Visual Magnetics became involved with SVA's Innovation Lab project during its construction phase, enabling the company to create customized installations tailored to the school's specific needs. By the start of the program this fall, the space will be fitted with 2,700 sq. ft. of VM-ActiveWall magnetic primer, 1,650 sq. ft. of VM-DRYerase, 475 sq. ft. of VM-CHALKboard, and a seventy-foot photo installation by renowned artist Simo Neri printed on VM-POLYeight, a print film made from recycled post-consumer plastics.

"This program was developed to help new leaders emerge who can make a real impact in the world. It is the first of its kind and will pioneer new approaches. I cannot imagine a better partner to help make this space innovative than Visual Magnetics," said Cheryl Heller, founding Chair of Design for Social Innovation at SVA. "Visual Magnetics provided exactly what we were looking for -- versatile, high-quality media that can be layered and replaced almost effortlessly to create a dynamic workspace that's as exciting as the program itself."

"Our idea for creating Dynamic Spaces is all about pushing the limits of what was previously possible in terms of the interactivity and versatility of wall space," said Tori Deetz, brand manager, Visual Magnetics. "The nature of our technology allows for the rapid development of new, innovative materials based on the actual needs of the designers who use them. Being a part of the Design for Social Innovation Lab gives us the perfect opportunity to challenge SVA students to explore the limitless possibilities of our products." 

About Visual Magnetics
Visual Magnetics is the creator of the revolutionary patented large-scale graphics system that matches magnetic-receptive technologies with the highest quality print media -- empowering brands to create dynamic in-store experiences that can be effortlessly updated. Four-time winner of the DPI/SGIA Product of the Year Award, the easy-to-use Visual Magnetics Graphic System™ features the patented Micro-Iron™ MagnaMedia® printable films to produce stunning photo-quality graphics that enable design flexibility and allow for multi-layering of graphic panels. MagnaMedia works on all printing platforms, the process being no different than any other papers or films, and is as easy to install as simply rolling down the graphic -- substantially lowering or eliminating installation costs while giving a professionally mounted appearance. MagnaMedia also rolls easily for increased savings in shipping. The Visual Magnetics Graphic System is fully recyclable. Follow Visual Magnetics on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VisualMagnetics. For more information, please visit www.visualmagnetics.com or call toll free 855.847.6244 (855.VISMAG4).