3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
The Gêm Project helps young people access gaming industry
The Gêm Project, led by Media Academy Cymru (MAC), aims to improve grassroots access to professional roles in the gaming and animation sectors.
Of the 30 students who completed the pilot, 80 per cent went on to further education courses in South Wales, four are now studying gaming-related subjects at university, and one is working as a game tester for a leading Welsh developer.
Jack Sargeant, culture minister, said: "The importance of the creative industries to Wales is clear – it's about jobs, culture and our identity.
"Meeting the animation students at MAC was inspiring – these young people are incredibly talented and passionate about their craft.
"Programmes like the Animeiddio Project are exactly what we need to ensure our creative sector reflects all of Wales, providing pathways for diverse talent to thrive."
The Gêm Project received more than £140,000 from the Welsh Government through the Creative Wales Skills Fund.
Following its success, MAC launched the Animeiddio Project, an animation pilot scheme funded by a second round of Creative Skills funding.
The animation course gives young people the chance to showcase their work at the Cardiff Animation Festival and take part in regular industry events.
AJ, 20, a current student, said: "I had agoraphobia for a long time so I couldn't leave the house.
"This is my first year back and everybody is so understanding.
"It's the best thing that could possibly have happened."
The Creative Skills Fund supports training and development across music, screen, games, animation, and immersive tech.
Across two funding rounds, 34 projects have been backed with a total investment of £3 million.
A highlight report from the first funding round shows that more than 27,000 individuals and 300 companies have benefited so far.
