SLOCAN—The brand new Slocan Electronic Arts Centre held its grand opening December 9 with an open house attended by about 50 people.
The centre, administered by the W. E. Graham Community Service Society and housed at the school, “is a new community initiative focused on providing people access to quality audio and video equipment, and the training needed to provide local leadership in the use of digital communication tools.”
Manager Jacy Schindel was pleased with the turnout, noting that many of the people were serious about using the equipment. Some members of the Kootenay Film & Video Co-op showed up and immediately started using the editing suite, giving other people the opportunity to watch a full-length documentary being edited.
Also on display were some of the three-minute films produced by members of the information technology class at the school, while their counterparts from Mt. Sentinel High came in to get oriented to the gear.
The list of equipment is split into professional quality, available to rent, and a “community stream” available to people regardless of their skill levels. The former includes two broadcast video cameras, a Mac G5 editing suite, and pro-quality software. The community equipment includes a G3 editing suite, and production software. There are also digital and 35mm film cameras, tripods, microphones and field mixers.
All the rentals are “really cheap,” says Schindel. The cost for the community equipment is just enough to help maintain and upgrade it, he says. The professional grade costs more but prices are a third of the cost they would be in the city.
Education programs are also offered: both elementary and secondary school programs, and community workshops — from beginner to advanced — including basic Mac computer courses, video editing, sound recording, design, web design, and basic animation.
The centre was set up to help with local economic diversification.
“Graphic designers, camera operators, writers, animators, sound engineers, film producers and editors will have the opportunity to practice their craft and find employment closer to home,” Schindel says,
“Small business, tourism operators, community organizations and schools will be able to produce promotional material, or use the gear to add value to education programs.”
The centre is open to everyone in the West Kootenays, and “if people are willing to make the drive they can get their hands on some really good equipment.”
To rent equipment, get advice, ask about workshops or to visit, call Schindel at 355-2599, or e-mail slocaneac@netidea.com.
The centre was funded through a $48,300 SICEAI grant, with additional money for building renovations from Area H’s Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives funding.
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