It will soon be lights, camera, action in Windsor thanks to funding for a new media hub.
The federal and provincial governments have announced contributions to building a media arts centre in the downtown core, to help nurture the creativity of local filmmakers and generate jobs in the visual arts industry. The total amount of contributions is $2.9-million.
The federal government will provide $1.1-million through its Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan. The Ontario government will chip in an additional $980,000, and the Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media, and the Creative Arts will add $790,000.
The centre, once opened, will provide education and work space in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the St. Clair College MediaPlex, and the University of Windsor's School of Creative Arts (SoCA). Downtown Windsor is also home to the Windsor International Film Festival, Canada's largest volunteer-run film event.
Amanda Gellman, president of the centre, said an objective was to stop the "brain drain" of local filmmakers who leave the area to seek film work in Toronto, New York City, or Los Angeles.
"Most did not want to go to larger urban areas to find employment, so we made promises about doing our part to stop the drain of local talent from southwestern Ontario," said Gellman in a media release. "Thanks to the generosity of our federal and provincial governments, today, that promise has been kept. The Media Arts Community Centre will be for persons of all ages, stages and abilities, will offer opportunities for film and art workshops, continued education, networking, co-op, job training, content creation, and music and film production."
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls, on behalf of Ontario Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott, said the new centre will give people throughout the region a chance to create their art in Windsor.
"This funding opportunity will allow Windsorites and those from surrounding areas to experience local artists' creativity, enabling the community to enjoy and push the limits of art," said Nicholls.
The Windsor film centre, a non-profit organization, will eventually take possession of the Downtown Mission's Victoria Avenue compound. The Mission is working to build a new, permanent home elsewhere.