A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned March 26 to mark the opening of a new state-of-the-art Media Arts Complex at MiraCosta College’s Oceanside campus.
The $21 million project, comprising 10,471 square feet, supports certificate and degree programs in the arts, encompassing programs in art history, digital photography, museum studies, studio arts, and media arts and technologies, including graphic design and digital media.
Demand for professionals in these fields continues to grow. The San Diego Workforce Partnership has identified digital media as one of the top career subsectors in San Diego County. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in arts and design occupations will grow four percent through 2030. The median annual wage for art and design occupations is higher than for all occupations.
“As technology rapidly advances, digital media has become an essential part of virtually every industry, from entertainment to education, marketing to healthcare,” said Tim Flood, MiraCosta’s Vice President of Administrative Services. “By providing access to the latest digital tools and media technologies, the new Media Arts Complex at MiraCosta College ensures that students graduate with highly marketable skills that will help them secure rewarding jobs in a range of high-demand fields.”
The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for March 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive in Oceanside. The event is open to the public. Parking is in lot 2A.
The single-story facility includes several features:
✓ A spacious new museum-quality Art Gallery
✓ A Media Arts lab
✓ A 40-person classroom
✓ Student study spaces
✓ Extensive spaces for displaying student artworks, both indoors and outdoors
✓ Dedicated spaces for students to study and collaborate
“The arts and media programs at MiraCosta College not only focus on artistic development but also teach students how to leverage digital media in practical, career-focused ways,” Flood added. “The Media Arts Complex will offer more than just classrooms, labs, and studios — it will serve as a launchpad for students’ careers in an increasingly digital world.”
It also includes “green” design elements such as extensive use of natural daylighting, high-efficiency fixtures, exterior and interior finishes that feature eco-friendly materials, and landscaping that includes low-water and native species.
The design-build partnership of HMC Architects and Balfour Beatty led the Media Arts project. The budgeted $25.8 million project was funded through MiraCosta’s capital improvement program using funds from Measure MM.
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