New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today awarded the University of New Mexico $3 million to create the “Art, Research, Technology and Science Laboratory” (ARTS Lab) to support the state’s efforts in the burgeoning digital media industry.
UNM President Louis Caldera was present for the announcement at the State Capitol. President Caldera says UNM has been working for over a year to develop proposals in response to the Governor’s interest in nurturing a film and media industry in the state, particularly proposals that develop the technologies related to that industry. He adds that these digital technologies are important not only for film and television applications, but also for a wide variety of commercial, medical and national security applications as well.
“This funding allows us to leverage strengths that already exist at UNM -- in computer science, fine arts, medicine, law and business -- as they relate to advances in digital media,” said Caldera. “Through the ARTS Lab, UNM will participate in the creation of new, high paying jobs in New Mexico while preparing the students who will take those jobs.”
As envisoned, the ARTS Lab will bring together faculty, staff and students from throughout the university in an innovative and interdisciplinary environment that will develop digital media that impacts art, science, business and technology. Ed Angel, Director of UNM’s Arts Technology Center and Professor of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Media Arts, says the vision of the ARTS Lab is to become a key catalyst for the education and research that will grow and sustain this industry in New Mexico.
“It really will combine UNM’s strengths in arts and culture with its strength in technology. It is truly geared towards what we’re good at,” says Angel.
Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989
Posted by scarr at September 14, 2004 06:36 PM