DHX's $600K a show of confidence as NSCAD puts its woes behind it

Canada's oldest independent arts universitygot a vote of confidence and $600,000 Friday fromHalifax-based children's entertainment companyDHX Media Ltd.

The money will go towards creating internships atNSCAD University, film and animation projects, and software upgrades.

"By giving back to NSCAD, we are giving back to the economy and we are helping ourselves," said David Regan, executive vice-president of strategy and corporate development at DHX.

"Those software purchases will give students access to the cutting-edge technology that is going to help them land entry-leveljobs at creative industries wherever they chose to work," said Regan.

DHX Media employs 230 animators in Halifax. Its founder, Michael Donovan, is a former chairman of the NSCAD board of governors.

Donovan also previously co-founded and served aschairman and CEOof Salter Street Films, which was purchased in 2001 by Alliance Atlantis. Thatcompanylater donated a historic Brunswick Street building to NSCAD where Friday's announcement was held.

'Real doubt' gone

University president Dianne Taylor-Gearing said the donation is a vote of confidence in NSCAD. Earlier in the decade, the school struggled with debt, deficits and poor relations with faculty.

• NSCAD approves 27% tuition increase for full-time students
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Three years ago the provincial government asked the university to consider merging.

"There has been real doubt about NSCAD's future. It's so important to acknowledge those times are behind us," Taylor-Gearing said at Friday's event.

"What we're seeing is evidence that it is recognized by the industry that employs our students that NSCAD graduates add value, and that our institution as an independent university of art, design, craft has value."

'A lot of hope' for jobs

Part of the funding is earmarked for a thesis film, which has a direct effect on the life of fourth-year film student Chelsea Innes.

"It allows me to feel I'm not stifled by funding," she said.

She, too, sees the donation as a boost, especially for those aspiring for work in the film industry. A government subsidy was slashed by the Liberal provincial government in 2015, triggering an exodus of such jobs.

"I gives us a lot of hope in staying in Halifax to continue our work," Innes said.

"Fora while we were getting discouraged whether we should stay here. We were all considering moving to Toronto. It gives us hope we can get experience and a degree at the same time."

NSCADadministrators saidover the past two years, it has balanced its operating budget, reduced its debt and established labour peace with its faculty.