Ryerson's FCAD forging new creative frontiers in Dubai
Photo: Anver Saloojee, Assistant Vice-President Ryerson International, Karim Chelli, Canadian University Dubai President and Charles Falzon, Dean of FCAD at Ryerson University
TORONTO, April 26th, 2017 --- Ryerson University’s Faculty of Communication and Design (FCAD) and the Canadian University Dubai (external link) (CUD) are pleased to announce a new international partnership that will see the development of a creative education hub in Dubai. FCAD will also leverage its innovative capacity to support the Canadian University Dubai in launching a new Faculty of Communication and Design in Dubai.
“This is an exciting partnership for us in a global city known for its innovation and creativity,” says FCAD’s Dean Charles Falzon. “This collaboration represents an opportunity for us to mobilize talent, ideas and global connections in order to advance cultural industries in both countries.”
Building on Canadian University Dubai’s existing offerings in media and design, the new faculty will include a Creative Industries program, modelled after the successful program offered at Ryerson; the new program will launch in September 2017. The agreement also outlines an intention to add additional programs in specific areas in the future. FCAD will work with the Canadian University Dubai in providing ongoing technical and curricular expertise and will assist in the recruitment of scholars from around the world.
The “Creative Industries” refers to a distinctive group of creative fields pertaining to media, design, entertainment and the visual and performing arts. While these fields have long been recognized for their cultural value, they are also an important economic driver and key to urban development and renewal.
As a rapidly expanding economy and cultural hub in the Middle East, Dubai offers opportunities for new ideas, creative people and a rich historical tradition. The Creative Industries program will capitalize on this by offering students classes in the art and business of film, the business and practice of news, printing and publishing, the music industry and the fashion industry. In addition, the two institutions will also work with the city of Dubai to develop a Creative Incubator in the Dubai Design District.
“This strategic partnership offers our students and faculty an opportunity to not only participate in a world class program, but also to take advantage of the Creative Incubator space and creative talents for the region and the world“ said Dr. Karim Chelli, Canadian University Dubai’s President. “Canadian University Dubai prides itself in promoting its students as global citizens, providing them with this unique and exciting opportunity for development, growth and education through our new collaboration is a testament to that focus.”
The new faculty will offer Canadian University Dubai degrees and is expected to attract students from over 100 countries in the Middle East and Africa, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.
About FCAD
The Faculty of Communication and Design is the cultural and creative hub at Ryerson University. With its nine prestigious schools in media and creative industries, FCAD’s interdisciplinary innovation and education are shaping the future of the creative industries.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is a private university of higher education in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2006. The Canadian University Dubai offers education based on the Canadian curriculum, giving internationally recognized quality and credibility.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Dasha Pasiy
Public Affairs
Ryerson University
416.979.5000 x 2126
MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Brannen
Communications and Alumni Manager
Canadian University Dubai
+971 4 321 9090 ext. 828