MONTREAL, September 9, 2004 -- The Department of Design Art at Concordia University will be the home base for the Mobile Digital Commons Network, which will combine a number of projects to enable users to gather, exchange and experience cultural content on wireless devices. President of the Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament (WestmountÑVille-Marie) Lucienne Robillard, today announced a contribution of $422,374 to the network on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla."This project demonstrates that Canada is a leader in new media development both in terms of technology and content," said Minister Robillard. "It will allow Canadian innovation to move from local and national to international, global relevance."The Mobile Digital Commons Network project will receive its financial support from the New Media Research Networks Fund, which is part of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Culture Online Strategy. The fund supports the development of an environment that is conducive to Canada becoming a world leader in digital cultural content creation and production. The network will form links among leading Canadian institutions including Hexagram, The University of Quebec at Montreal, McGill University, Concordia University, and the Banff New Media Institute, as well as centres such as Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) and InterAccess."This project will establish Canadian cultural producers and artists at the forefront of creative experimentation in global wireless and mobile technologies," said Minister Frulla. "The New Media Research Networks Fund is designed to ensure just such a result."The Mobile Digital Commons Network will provide Canadians with an understanding of the scope and potential of mobile networks, content and technology. The Canadian Culture Online Strategy is part of the Department of Canadian Heritage's strategy to encourage a uniquely Canadian presence on the Internet.Information:Donald Boulanger Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788Nathalie DallaireSpecial AssistantConstituency Office(514) 283-2013Véronick RaymondCommunicationsCanadian Heritage(514) 283-7698
