June 17 , 2010
Hamilton poised to become leader
in interactive digital media, say partners
The presidents of all four institutions are signatories on a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed at noon today during the University’s Innovation Showcase at the McMaster Innovation Park where the new Institute will be located when it opens in 2011.
This exciting collaboration brings together the skills and expertise to research, teach and create digital media technologies, and will enable a seamless synergy between the partner institutions: Silicon Knights and the AGH could participate in research, curriculum development, and teaching at the new Institute. In addition, a parallel and major goal is to turn the Hamilton region into an international leader in interactive digital media with Eight serving as a magnet for talent, resources and funding.
St. Catharines-based Silicon Knights, one of the leading independent game developers in the world, brings its
development and creative expertise, which in turn complements the Humanities and Engineering faculties at
McMaster University and its track record of world-class research and education capabilities. AGH, one of
Canada’s most engaging public art galleries, positions digital art as one of its key artistic activities through research
exhibition and education, and this will dovetail with the applied learning taught at Mohawk College with its keen
focus on and responsiveness to industry and market trends.
Quotes and Additional Information
Peter George, president of McMaster University
“We want to be known as the ‘8th-art’ university, but to achieve that distinction will depend on effective
collaboration with great partners. Capitalizing on one another’s strengths will create unlimited opportunities for
research commercialization, education and training, and economic development and job creation for our region.”
Denis Dyack, president, Silicon Knights
“We have been promoting the ‘8th Art’ for many years, and are beyond excited to have aligned with three
outstanding partners – McMaster University, AGH and Mohawk College – that share the same vision, and
understand the need to grow the talent and resources in this arena.”
Rob MacIsaac, president of Mohawk College
“We are pleased to be a part of this exciting new initiative that will bring together the best and brightest in the field of digital media. It’s an initiative that will build on Mohawk’s long-standing partnership with McMaster University, draw on our college’s strengths in applied learning and research, and leverage our ability to stay responsive to employer needs and industry trends.”
Louise Dompierre, president and CEO of the Art Gallery of Hamilton
“Many innovative art forms already incorporate practices and techniques from other disciplines.
One of the key differences here is that the partnership extends to the entire process from research, production, dissemination, training and marketing of the end product. It will be most enriching for artists, students and the community to have the opportunity to work closely with world renowned researchers in science and technology and for the AGH to present their work in the context of an art gallery”
About McMaster University
McMaster University, established in 1887, is one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities
in the world. Renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery it has a student population of 23,000
and about 147,000 alumni in 128 countries. www.mcmaster.ca
About Silicon Knights
With games like Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, and Too Human, Ontario-based Silicon Knights has blasted to the top of the gaming world, working with the likes of Nintendo and Microsoft. With its emphasis on story-driven content, Silicon Knights is currently one of the world’s largest independent developers. Its games envelop millions of players in fantastical worlds that make the player think as well as act. www.siliconknights.com
About Mohawk College
Mohawk College serves 11,500 full-time students, 4,000 apprenticeship students and 42,000 continuing education
registrants. Approximately 4,000 highly skilled and future-ready Mohawk graduates join the workforce every year,
making Mohawk a prime driver of job creation and economic prosperity in the Greater Hamilton Area.
www.mohawkcollege.ca
About the Art Gallery of Hamilton
Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) is Ontario’s third largest public art gallery and owns one of the
finest art collections in Canada. Its collecting strengths are Canadian historical, European historical, and Canadian
and international contemporary art. www.artgalleryofhamilton.com
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For more information, please contact:
Jane Christmas
Manager, Public & Media Relations
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 27988
chrisja@mcmaster.ca
Michelle Donovan
Public Relations Manager: Broadcast Media
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 22869
donovam@mcmaster.ca