Calgary’s New Creative Boom: $5.5M Boost to Entertainment Arts Hub

Calgary is lighting up the screen with a massive $5.5 million boost! The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is channeling this significant sum into the Calgary Entertainment Arts Production Hub (CEAPH) at Bow Valley College, a move announced on November 16, 2023, poised to supercharge our city's digital media and entertainment arts scene.

This isn't just pocket change; it's a strategic play for Calgary's future. Our city is already making waves, recently named among the top five filmmaking cities in North America by MovieMaker Magazine. We're attracting major productions, with our diverse landscapes and competitive tax incentives drawing projects away from traditional hubs. This investment further solidifies Calgary's reputation as a go-to location for film, animation, and gaming.

For Calgarians, this means more than just bragging rights. The CEAPH will offer vital training in high-demand fields like 3D animation, visual effects, game development, and film production. This directly addresses the need for skilled talent in Alberta's interactive digital media industry, which is projected to inject up to $169 million into the province's GDP by 2030, with over half of the companies based right here in Calgary. More than 300 new jobs are expected, building on Calgary's impressive tech sector growth, which has seen employment jump by 78% in the past five years.

Bow Valley College, already a leader with its Centre for Entertainment Arts, will be at the helm, nurturing local talent and attracting industry heavyweights. This investment is crucial for economic diversification and cements Calgary's position as a vibrant, creative hub where innovation thrives. Get ready for more local stories, more cutting-edge games, and more visual spectacles made right here in our backyard!