UMaine unveils new media center
The University of Maine is launching a new media center that school officials say will help create jobs and strengthen the state's economy.
The New Media Innovation, Research and Development Center in Orono will support students and businesses working in the digital film, gaming and animation fields, according to a press release from UMaine. The center will have technology for training, R&D and commercialization, as well as prototyping facilities available to startups. At least eight Maine-based new media companies are involved in the project, along with UMaine's ASAP Media Services and the Foster Center for Student Innovation. Owen Smith, director of the university's Intermedia Master of Fine Arts program, is heading up the effort.
New media is a rapidly growing field that has applications in a number of industries. For example, 3-D modeling and other imaging techniques are used in the architecture and science fields, according to the release. "This is a huge area for the state of Maine that can really leverage this investment and create some unique opportunities for our students, and for really pushing and helping the economy in the state of Maine," Smith said in the release.
A $3.69 million award from the Maine Technology Institute is funding much of the project. Construction of the center is slated to begin in March, and an opening date has been set for the summer of 2012.
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