New state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and labs were on display for alumni, partners and members of the Conestoga community during a grand opening celebration at the Kitchener - Doon campus on February 19.
Pejman Salehi, executive dean, School of Creative Industries, delivers remarks during the grand opening celebration of new state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and lab at the Kitchener - Doon campus.
Hosted by the School of Creative Industries, the new learning spaces have been designed to provide students with authentic, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities which mirror real-life working environments in industries such as gaming, VR production, animation, motion graphics, digital media and visual merchandising.
“At Conestoga we are responding to the need for a robust talent pipeline for the future. We are delivering programs that meet industry needs, we are training our students with the most sophisticated facilities and equipment, and we are creating rich learning experiences that prepare students for the industry of tomorrow,” said Pejman Salehi, executive dean, School of Creative Industries.
Salehi noted there is significant demand for graduates in creative industries in southwestern Ontario. In the Toronto-Waterloo corridor, more than 60 per cent of creative technology employers say they have challenges hiring junior-level talent. These employers also indicated that demand for this type of talent has increased over the past three years.
“These numbers make it clear that we need creative talent. And, in some fields, this demand will remain high for the foreseeable future -- the gaming industry will be worth more than $320 billion US by 2026,” added Salehi.
On a larger scale, Salehi said the college is positioning our region as a leader in the creative sector.
“Creative capital attracts businesses. Creative capital stimulates job growth. And creative capital helps foster vibrant, thriving communities. And we are really excited that our new, innovative spaces are such an essential part of building toward our creative future together. Our goal is for our region to be recognized as a hub for creativity and innovation and I believe that our school will play a major role in making this happen.”
During the event, guests were invite to tour four interactive spaces: the Visual Merchandising Arts studio; the virtual reality immersive experience; Cintiq labs that highlighted the Animation, Game-Arts and Game-Design programs; and the broadcasting studio where the college operates Conestoga's digital TV station, CCDTV.
The revitalized classrooms located on the fourth floor of B wing, represent a $4.3 million investment from the college and is part of a series of investments Conestoga has made over the last five years to ensure students have access to the most cutting-edge learning environments.
The space will welcome its first cohort of Bachelor of Animation students in September 2025. The three-year, applied degree program will provide graduates with the creative and technical skills to succeed in the demanding field of animation for feature film, streaming, TV series, commercials and gaming industries.
Visit the School of Creative Industries to learn more about dynamic programs that span all aspects of media, digital arts, communication and design that provide students with the knowledge and skill sets needed for today's growing career market.