In addition to a new tax credit program recognizing the growing value of the animation and visual effects industry in Ontario, Finance Minister Ernie Eves’ budget was a special nod to the renowned computer animation and digital design facility at Sheridan College, and the value of public/private sector partnerships, in the form of a $12 million commitment to the Oakville, Ont.-based school.

Sheridan president Sheldon Levy says the $12 million allotment from the provincial government must be matched by the private sector in order for the school to access the funds.

Industry contributors will likely consist of tech partners like Silicon Graphics, with which the college already has a relationship, as well as software companies and the animation companies which regularly scour the program for employable graduates.

‘We have an interest in working with animation companies both for our co-op program and placement of graduates, but also to partner in facilities that could be jointly shared between us that might otherwise be too expensive for either of us to access individually,’ says Levy.

Talks with prospective industry participants began before the announcement was made, says Levy, and discussions will continue. Industry will kick in software, hardware and dollars committed to r&d programs.

While criticism has been aimed at the initiative for directing the total government investment in one institution, response from other educational facilities providing computer animation programs has been generally positive.

Don Graves, former executive director of arts at Sheridan and current dean of business and creative arts at George Brown College, says it represents ‘a very practical and economically sound recognition of the future potential of digital design and animation in Canada.’

Nate Horowitz of the Bell Centre at Centennial College says while the government might have endowed more than one school, his facility is pleased.

‘Sheridan has put Canada on the map in terms of animation,’ says Horowitz. ‘This will bring more attention and work and opportunities to students and the industry in Toronto. It’s going to provide a needed infrastructure.’

Horowitz suggests an ideal situation would see other schools as well as industry members involved in the Sheridan initiative, spreading the facility infrastructure throughout Toronto.

Levy says changes to Sheridan’s programs have already begun, with the addition of a new high-end, graduate-level technical animation program, and plans for a new computer animation and digital technology facility in the early stages.

‘In an environment that’s been one of cutback after cutback where the quality of a program typically suffers, it’s good to see a light that says we will find a way to maintain the excellence of a program by working more closely with the private sector in a way that meets educational demand and business needs,’ says Levy.