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For Release
June 16, 2006
Government of Canada strengthens New Media Industry
Vancouver, British Columbia – Today, Western Economic Diversification Canada invested $507,500 in three projects to strengthen the new media industry in British Columbia and position B.C. on the world stage as an international new media hub.
“Emerging sectors such as digital and new media technologies are key to strengthening Canada’s competitiveness in the global marketplace,” said James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “These investments will build British Columbia as a world leader in new media technology.”
New Media B.C. will design and develop a “Digital Coast”, to increase collaboration and research within the industry. The University of British Columbia’s New Media Interdisciplinary Research Centre will develop a two-year pilot program to accelerate technology commercialization. The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design will establish a new media Industry Liaison Office for research, development and commercialization. Finally, Western Economic Diversification Canada is supporting the 2006 Vancouver International Digital Festival, a global event for new media representatives to meet and develop new strategies to further the industry.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Fiona MacLeod |
Jinny Wu |
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378) |
Backgrounder
New Media BC
The New Media BC Association will receive $195,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada to establish a “Networked Ecosystem Infrastructure”, a comprehensive new media industry strategy for B.C. This strategy will build stronger relationships among industry, academic and research institutions, and all levels of government. This project will brand British Columbia as the “Digital Coast” and the world centre of the new media industry.
This project was also funded by the International Trade Commission, Industry anada, Bell, Electronic Arts, Leading Edge BC, and new media industry contributions.
Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design
An investment of $97,500 will help the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design establish a new Industry Liaison Office under the direction of a Research Partnerships Officer. This facility will strengthen Emily Carr's technology transfer capacity in the areas of media arts, visual arts and design by:
- Carry out applied research and technology commercialization activities in partnership with industry, government and not-for-profit organizations
- Encourage research transparency to increase industry collaboration
- Develop internship and co-op placements for Emily Carr students and graduates to enhance the skills of a highly qualified workforce
University of British Columbia: New Media Interdisciplinary Research Centre
UBC’s New Media Interdisciplinary Research Centre (MAGIC) will receive $195,000 for a two-year pilot program that will accelerate new media technology commercialization through three key activities:
- Joint research projects combining academia and local industry to help address new technology and commercialization challenges within the new media sector
- Community Building by engaging industry and academia to raise public awareness on the benefits of new media technology
- Outreach to multinationals to foster business development and collaborative research with MAGIC and the local small and medium enterprises
VIDFEST
The Vancouver International Digital Festival (VIDFEST) will receive
$20,000 for their annual digital and new media festival. VIDFEST
is a chance for new media representatives from all over the world,
to meet, showcase their work, develop new partnerships, and push
the boundaries of creativity in digital media. VIDFEST is a three-day
event beginning on June 14 with a closing gala on
June 16.