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$2.5M secured for National Animation Museum in California

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Funding has been approved for a new National Animation Museum in California. This new venture will celebrate the history and inspire the future of animation, through a range of immersive, interactive and educational programmes. Its goal will be to spark creativity and innovation in visitors, with content suitable for both professionals and casual fans.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino has announced that his budget request of $2.5 million for the National Animation Museum has now been approved in the 2022-2023 State Budget. This funding will go towards developing both a virtual and a physical museum dedicated to animation, celebrating its rich history in California.

Celebrating a “wonderful art form”

“I remember like it was yesterday seeing the Jungle Book on the big screen when it came out and huddling on Saturday morning in front of the TV watching Space Ghost and Johnny Quest and I continue to regard animation as a wonderful art form and a uniquely California entertainment experience,” says Portantino. 

“In the past two decades, we’ve seen a renaissance in the animation industry, with many studios and schools located in my own district.  The National Animation Museum will help preserve our legacy and offer educational programs that will empower the next generation of animators in film, television, gaming, robotics and beyond.  I am proud to have been asked by local animators to help provide financial support for this important and unique endeavor.”

Animated content remains hugely popular with viewers, and more people than ever are choosing to work in the field of animation. The Animation Guild of Burbank has reported record numbers of artists, technicians, and writers joining its ranks, while animation and illustration departments in California art schools have grown rapidly, with many film schools now offering dedicated animation programmes.

Eddie Newquist, the museum’s founder and chairman, says:

“We are thrilled to be receiving this support from the State of California and extremely grateful to Senator Portantino for recognizing the significance of the museum and for making the request on our behalf.  The  National Animation Museum will use these funds to advance our virtual and physical museum initiatives that celebrate animation in all its forms. 

“The funds will also be used to provide educational resources that will spark creativity and innovation in students, teaching professionals, and their families in our Southern California community and around the world.”

A commitment to young people and future talent

Hollywood producer and former DreamWorks Animation head Chris deFaria says: “I started in animation at a young age as a voice actor, and the art form has been the focus of my work both in live-action and CGI films ever since. What excites me about the National Animation Museum is its commitment to encouraging young people to develop the myriad skills and talent that drive technical innovation along with meaningful storytelling for future generations.”

“I am so happy to be part of the advisory team that is bringing this museum to life,” adds Chris Buck, Academy Award-winning director of Frozen. “My schooling at CalArts helped me start my career at Disney in the original Animation Building.  I’ve been lucky enough to work at several studios in the industry, learning many different skills along the way.

“As animation continues to grow and change, this new organization is being established to celebrate and share the unique history, achievements, and future developments of this amazing industry.”

More fundraising will be needed to make the museum a reality, along with outreach to bodies such as the International Animated Film Society, which had also been working on plans for a museum celebrating animated films.

The National Animation Museum could potentially find a home in the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena area, which has many ties with the animation industry. The area is already home to Walt Disney Animation Studios, Dreamworks Animation and the new Netflix Animation facility.

In 2023, the much-anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open to the public, in Los Angeles. Elsewhere in the city, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced that Jacqueline Stewart will take on the role of director and president in July 2022.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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