nGen welcomes Brock University, Niagara College and 211 INTERACTIVE as tenants
Niagara’s hub for interactive media project and business development – nGen (Niagara Interactive Media Generator) – is pleased to announce that Brock University, Niagara College and 211 INTERACTIVE have been granted tenancy, and will be moving into the newly renovated office at One St. Paul St. in downtown St. Catharines.
Since its inception, nGen has been adamant about maintaining its founding principles through the facilitation of networking, collaboration, prototyping, production and business development. Its main activities continue to revolve around tenancy, mentorship, access to technology, projects, seminars, and networking.
The addition of Brock University, Niagara College and 211 INTERACTIVE demonstrates nGen’s commitment to its founding ideals. By bringing together key partners in industry, economic development and post‐secondary education, nGen will be able to further develop its innovative business incubation model to help jump‐start and grow new enterprises in the region.
“We’re extremely pleased with the growth of the interactive media cluster in Niagara since nGen’s inception, and we are thrilled to have Brock University, Niagara College and 211 INTERACTIVE joining us as tenants,” says Jeff Chesebrough, executive director of nGen. “211 already has a strong reputation in the interactive media industry and will be a tremendous asset to the growing cluster in the region.
“Also, by having Niagara’s two post-secondary institutions as tenants, nGen will be able to better foster relationships between education and industry in our community. We believe that providing post-secondary students with hands-on experience in the industry is critical to the success of Niagara’s interactive cluster, and will help to retain top talent in the region.”
For more information: Jeff Chesebrough, Executive Director, nGen, 905-685-3460 x201; jchesebrough@ngen-niagara.com
211 INTERACTIVE
211 INTERACTIVE develops marketing strategies, creates beautiful, usable websites, and produces and integrates rich media content including video and motion graphics. The Niagara-based agency also provides creative and technical consulting services. The mission of 211 INTERACTIVE is to enhance and promote interactivity using digital media for web users via social networking, video, website marketing and publishing tools.
Founder/Director Jeff Hardy has worked in the creative and technology industry since 1994. With a strong background in design, video editing and Internet technology, Jeff’s expertise has been honed through 16 years of experience designing and developing interactive media solutions for clients from all sectors.
"I'm really pleased to be part of such an exciting initiative,” says Hardy, “especially one that will help to promote Niagara as a world-class interactive centre. I look forward to partnering with my new colleagues to create some fantastic interactive projects as well as to develop innovative new business."
Jeff studied Advertising Art at Fanshawe College and holds a B.A. in Arts and Communication Studies from Brock University in the Media and Culture stream. He was co-recipient of the 1998 Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and has been a Professional Member of The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario since 1998.
For more information: Jeff Hardy, 211 INTERACTIVE, 289-479-5047; www.211interactive.com
Brock University – Centre for Digital Humanities
Brock’s Interactive Arts and Science (IASC) program aims to provide wide-ranging learning opportunities in narrative development, production, computing and critical studies related to new forms of digital media. The program provides students with the chance to study and work in various areas that combine digital media and interactivity. These include new digital media, social media, 3-D online environments and video games, just to name a few.
The university also has programs in the departments of Computer Science and Communications, Popular Culture and Film where students are developing relevant capabilities in areas that complement interactive media.
“The Faculty of Humanities’ Centre for Digital Humanities is delighted to now have a presence in the new facilities at nGen where we will have access to additional office and teaching space,” says Martin Danahay, director of Centre for Digital Humanities at Brock, which administers the IASC program. “Our presence at nGen is part of a broader strategy of integrating the university more closely with downtown St. Catharines.
“Through our Interactive Arts and Science program we will be offering a course at nGen in the Fall of 2010 on advanced digital media that will introduce students to cutting-edge digital technology,” adds Danahay. “This initiative will help to educate the next generation of Canadian artists and entrepreneurs in the digital media industry. This enhanced collaboration between Brock and nGen will help to build up the digital media industry in Niagara.”
For more information: Martin Danahay, director, Centre for Digital Humanities, Faculty of Humanities, Brock University, 905-688-5550 x5203; mdanahay@brocku.ca
Niagara College – School of Media Studies
Niagara College’s School of Media Studies will open the doors to a new centre, interactive Niagara College (iNC), which will be located in downtown St. Catharines at nGen’s One St Paul offices. The centre will be operated in conjunction with the Research and Innovation Division of Niagara College. The centre will provide opportunities for local media companies to carry out applied research projects, expanding their products and increasing their potential for growth. The Centre will also work with small start up businesses and non-for profit organizations to increase their understanding of how media can help them reach their objectives. The centre will provide students from a variety of programs including New Media/Web Design, Broadcasting –Radio, Film and Television, Computer Programming, Journalism, Graphic Design and Public Relations and the College’s recently announced Game Design program.
“The Centre provides our local companies with access to a range of applied research opportunities and offers our students the opportunity to implement, expand and integrate their skill and ability with a variety of professional agencies and business in the fields of media, design, and game development,” explains Annette Hemerik, Chair of Media Studies.
Working closely with Niagara Interactive Media Generator (nGen) the objective of iNC, is to expand the depth of resources available to local companies, increase the presence of media companies in Niagara and educate the next generation of media professionals.
For more information: Annette Hemerik, M.A., RGD, Chair of Media Studies, 905-735-2211 x7789; ahemerik@niagaracollege.ca
