Daley Dedicates Flashpoint Chicago's First Digital Media Arts College
Mayor Richard M. Daley joined students and faculty today in dedicating Flashpoint, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences with an animated ribbon cutting at the schools new, state-of-the-art facility located at 28 North Clark Street.
"Digital entertainment is an expanding, ever-evolving, trillion-dollar industry, worldwide," said Mayor Daley. "By utilizing the benefits of vocational training, this academy is preparing the next generation of digital professionals, while helping to secure the future economic strength of our City."
Flashpoint is Chicago’s first digital media Arts College, and departments simulate the converging digital entertainment industries.
Students pursue two-year programs in Game Development, Visual Effects and Animation, Film and Recording Arts. Real-world tools and techniques; the latest technical developments and trends; and hands-on experience are integrated into every class.
"In this way, the efforts of each participant reflect the highest levels of skill, style and technological acumen," said Howard Tullman, President and CEO, Flashpoint.
Since 1989 film making in Chicago has experienced tremendous growth. More than 750 feature films and television projects have contributed more than $1.25 billion to the local economy and provided more than 250,000 local hires. Revenues generated by local commercial producers, animation houses and post-production facilities contribute an estimated $200 million annually.
At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Daley stated that technology is the key to staying competitive in today’s global economy.
"In Chicago we have developed a detailed plan to bring technology into our school system - beginning with pre-kindergarten - and to use it to help our children understand computers, science and mathematics, as well as non-technical subjects such as reading and history," stated Mayor Daley.
To learn more about Flashpoint Academy, call 312-332-0707 or for more information, visit the website at www.tfa.edu.
