Unlocking Creativity: Sisler students receive Wacom tablets for animation

On September 13, Sisler High School's CREATE program students received a significant boost to their animation and design capabilities. Thanks to a generous Schroeder Foundation and Wacom donation, 68 students were gifted state-of-the-art Wacom Movink portable display tablets.

These tablets are the same tools used by animation industry professionals. The donation aims to provide students with real-world experience and prepare them for future careers in Manitoba's growing creative sector.

Louie Ghiz, Executive Director of New Media Manitoba, praised the donation during a recent event: "The Schroeder foundation has been instrumental in the recent growth at the Sisler Creates program, and Wacom has been a critical piece to that success story as well. This latest donation of Wacom Movink portable display tablets is so incredibly generous that the students at the Creates Program will have the most current and innovative technology being used in the animation industry today. 

Having technology like this at their disposal will allow the students to learn using real-world industry creation methodologies, which will prepare them for their next steps and a very bright future in Manitoba's industry. Hats off to the team at Sisler Creates for providing such great tools, inspiration, and excitement for their students." 

Valen, a 2D Animation student at Sisler CREATE, expressed his gratitude for the program and the new equipment: "The CREATE program has taught me many skills I'll need for my career. I learned storyboarding, collaboration and communication, character design, and more to prepare myself for the future! The wonderful WACOM tablet I received will only help me practice those skills at home. Not to mention, the scholarship or internship opportunities we get here are incredible. Sisler CREATE has changed my life for the better. I cannot thank this program enough for these amazing opportunities." 

The donation aligns with the provincial government's efforts to strengthen pathways to post-secondary education and training in the creative industries. Hon. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: "When we work collaboratively with our partners in education and community, we create stronger pathways to post-secondary education and training. The programming underway at Sisler's CREATE program and now the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts will help retain young creatives to learn and work in our province." 

Samuel Daya, a post-secondary student at Sisler CREATE, highlighted the importance of local opportunities in his field: "I've always been fascinated with animation and game design, as well as creative media in general. The new trends are soaring, and we'll get training at the new Schroeder Institution and investments from Viacom and other sponsorships. Knowing that this industry cares about us and is changing our world means a lot to us.

I'm looking forward to joining the newly announced Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts at Red River College in 2025 because it means I can stay in my home city. There's no reason to leave; living outside your family can be hard when you want to pursue higher education but have no means. But now that we have that resource in Winnipeg, it feels great knowing that I can continue my studies safely with my family's support." 

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of Manitoba's animation and digital media industries. By providing students with cutting-edge tools and training opportunities tailored to their interests, Sisler CREATE equips them with everything they need to succeed in their chosen fields.