Assiniboine College Launches $750K Creative CoLab for Community

Assiniboine College has inaugurated a new community workspace, the Creative CoLab, at its east Brandon campus, with an investment of $750,000. The facility, equipped with modern tools such as 3D printers, aims to enhance collaboration among community members and industry professionals. The grand opening took place on October 19, 2023, offering a glimpse into a space designed to foster creativity and innovation.

The Creative CoLab features a variety of equipment, including projectors, laser engravers, crafting stations, cameras, and scanners, all situated within a spacious, open floor plan. According to college president Mark Frison, the facility is intended to serve as a hub for the creative industry, uniting individuals with diverse skill sets. “What it will do is serve as the base for us to bring people together in the creative industry,” Frison remarked during the event.

The workspace will not only benefit students but also employers looking for skilled workers. Jana Sproule, chair of media and office technology in the college’s school of business, explained that the equipment was carefully selected for its relevance to the digital landscape. “We chose things that interface with technology,” she said, emphasizing the importance of aligning tools with contemporary skills.

The design of the Creative CoLab prioritizes collaboration, featuring a boardroom table to encourage teamwork and an open central area suitable for workshops. The grand opening saw approximately 75 guests enjoying catered food and exploring the new space. Derek Ford, co-ordinator for the CoLab, highlighted the importance of retaining local talent, stating, “I want more of those people to be able to stay if they want to.” He aims to provide opportunities that encourage graduates to remain in Brandon rather than seek creative careers elsewhere.

Originally used for shipping and receiving, the area underwent significant transformation over the past year and a half. The investment for the CoLab was bolstered by support from Prairies Economic Development Canada, bringing its total investment in the college’s Centre for Creative Media to nearly $3 million. A representative from the department expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that Brandon is an ideal location for such a creative workspace.

Frison stated that the college is also exploring future programming to further engage the community. “In addition to state-of-the-art space and equipment, we will work with creative industries to create connections, expose opportunities, and increase economic activity in knowledge-based industries in the region,” he added.

As Assiniboine College moves forward with the Creative CoLab, it aims to solidify its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, ultimately benefiting both students and the broader community.