FunPlus, a renowned independent mobile game developer and publisher, and Creative Art Works (“CAW”), a 35-year-old organization that empowers young people through the visual and multimedia arts, today announced their second collaboration on a Character Design Internship.
The program’s purpose is to provide support to underserved New York City youth and young adults, with the hope of inspiring them to pursue a career in game design.
This internship seeks to provide vital tools and skills to New York City high school students, as well as connect them to the community, academic success, and career options, and motivate them to reach new heights. The collaboration between FunPlus and CAW began on February 8th.
“Thanks to the corporate support from FunPlus, Creative Art Works is able to offer an exceptional workforce development program to NYC high school students,” said Brian Ricklin, CAW Executive Director and CEO. “From our experience last year, we know the positive impact this type of program has on young peoples’ lives, and we’re excited to see what this year’s cohort will achieve”.
“We feel so honored to be part of the incredible work that Creative Art Works is performing in New York City,” said Wei Wang, Chief Creative Officer of FunPlus, who participated as a guest speaker and judge in the 2021 edition of the program. “Last year, all the participants showed impressive talent and tenacity, and I can’t wait to see how this new group of students apply all their learnings in their new projects this spring. It is so inspiring to see these Youth Apprentices unleash their creative potential and who knows, perhaps even discover a calling for a career in game design in the future!”
FunPlus and Creative Art Works to offer internships to over 100 youths from New York
Over 100 Youth Apprentices from five New York City Career and Technical Education (CTE) High Schools will participate in the FunPlus and Creative Art Works Character Design program this spring. This project’s purpose is for each Youth Apprentice to build a fully developed character with a backstory, personality traits, strengths, and flaws. Over the course of fourteen weeks, CAW Teaching Artists will deliver two hours of in-person training.
In addition, FunPlus artists and creatives from across the world will offer young work evaluations, career counseling, and advanced lectures on topics including body shape, silhouette building & anatomy, storyboarding, costume/prop design, color scripts, environment & background design, and more. On June 1st, at 7:00 p.m. ET, the program will come to a close with an awards presentation.
With the goal of building a long-term program, FunPlus has invested in curriculum development, Teaching Artist pay, and other program costs. CAW is partnering with five New York City Career and Technical Education (CTE) High Schools to offer the Character Design program, which provides students with disabilities, Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners, and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds with equal access to high-quality internships. The pupils will all be paid the New York City minimum wage of $15 per hour.
More information about the Character Design Internship program of FunPlus and Creative Art Works can be found on CAW’s website.
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