November 14, 2013
Vancouver, British Columbia
Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Kamloops– Thompson–Cariboo, announced Harper Government support for the Emily Carr University of Art and Design to upgrade its advanced imaging, motion capture, and 3D prototyping equipment.
“Our Government is proud to support innovation and advanced skills training at our colleges and universities,” said Parliamentary Secretary McLeod. “The advanced imaging, motion capture, and 3D prototyping equipment will provide the necessary tools for students, researchers and industry to thrive in a competitive economy.”
Today’s funding of $595,500 will support research at Emily Carr to stay relevant and competitive in the film, health and advanced materials sectors through the purchase of state-of-the-art motion capture, post-production, and 3D prototyping equipment. The new equipment will be housed in Emily Carr’s Intersections Digital Studios (IDS), which fosters research using innovative digital technologies.
“We thank the Government of Canada for their investment in Emily Carr’s research facility which allows us to continue to be at the forefront of applied research in advanced imaging, social and interactive media and health design,” said Dr. Maria Lantin, Director of Research. “This investment also benefits Emily Carr’s industry partners by promoting partnered experimentation and innovation and providing access to state-of-the-art equipment that is otherwise unaffordable.”
The Intersections Digital Studios (IDS) is the home of research at Emily Carr. Access to a facility like IDS allows the University to train and educate a new kind of art and design researcher – one whose understanding of technology is informed by a strong sense of both aesthetics and ethics. In a field that moves so quickly, students and researchers will gain more than just technical skills. They will gain an understanding of the underlying structures that fuel the dynamism between technology and creativity.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
