New York is one of America’s major media markets, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced the opening of a new center to help bolster that fact. Joining Bloomberg Tuesday (Oct. 1) in the announcement of the Made In NY Media Center was The Roots drummer and new artist-in-residence, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was covered by local New York outlets, focusing on the aims of the DUMBO-based center. Bloomberg, a successful business magnate, hopes that the new center will serve as a hub of creativity and innovation in the field of media.
“Collaboration between the sectors is crucial if we’re going to be the global media capital of the digital age, and our administration is working hard to make sure that’s the case,” Bloomberg said during a press conference this afternoon.
The new media incubator will be housed in a 20,000-square-foot center that once housed a 104-year-old coffee company. This will be New York’s first incubator that places its focus on digital media. It will also house classrooms, an art gallery, a café and workspace for media professionals of all disciplines.
Questlove, who is enjoying a high profile as a member of Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night show band, shares Mayor Bloomberg’s hopes as well.
“In recent years, technology has really played a game-changing role in how we create and how we consume art,” Questlove said. “Who knows, maybe I’ll create the new Tonight Show theme with someone here at the center.”
The Made In NY Media Center is slated to open October 15.
Hit the next page to check out the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Photos: Spencer T. Tucker, Flickr
