Jam-packed Digital Arts Expo 2009

Less than a month before the second edition of the Digital Arts Expo kicks off, the organisers have started to release details of the three-day business, technology and creativity event to be held at the Intercontinental Malta, St Julians, between November 4 and 6.

The organisers are promoting the DA Expo 2009 as the perfect location to network with fellow industry professionals. Visitors are welcome free of charge and can attend all the conferences, workshops and seminars and get to know about the latest trends in the digital industry.

The Malta Information Technology Agency, the central driver of government's ICT policy, programmes and initiatives in Malta, has confirmed its participation. Mita and Cisco are currently exploring the possibility of an initiative, which will enable students to pursue a more hands-on training and acquire relevant and comprehensive ICT skills, and knowledge that is up to date with, and necessary, for the 21st century. These two organisations will be holding seminars on November 5 and 6.

At this year's DA Expo the National Contact Points for FP7, CIP and EEN will share an information stand as well as give presentations on EU funding opportunities for ICT in their respective programmes and how the EEN desk can assist businesses in this regard.

Funding for research, development and demonstration of ICT is provided under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme which aims at improving the competitiveness of European industry and enabling Europe to master and shape future developments in ICT so that the demands of its society and economy are met.

On the other hand, the funding for ICT under the EU's Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme aims to promote an open and competitive digital economy with ICT as a driver of inclusion and quality of life. This programme funds deployment of ICT for citizens, businesses and government.

The Enterprise Europe Network (desk at Malta Enterprise offers a "one-stop shop" to meet all the information needs of companies with regards the EU, including partner searches within technology and business cooperation databases and fast access to information on funding opportunities, amongst others.

Mimcol, together with Malta Enterprise and Malta Council Science and Technology, will be holding two seminars on November 5 and 6.

This year the DA Expo Conference has been created around three key streams of knowledge: business development, technological advancements and creativity and innovation. The zone will host local and international speakers who will deliver presentations of several different subjects related to the three streams.

The training zone, also known as the Mac Lab, is sponsored once again by iCentre, Apple's authorised service provider in Malta.

For the very first time this year the DA Expo will host two new certified master classes running over the three days, one for graphic designers and another for 3D artists. These master classes are also being promoted on international popular magazines Computer Arts And 3D World. Air Malta is giving foreigners discounted flight tickets to come over and attend these master classes.

For the second consecutive year the DA Expo will be hosting the Digital Artists' Gallery Zones. This is an opportunity for all digital artists to display some of their creative works over the full three days. These zones will be divided into two - the Designers Zone sponsored by Big Exhibits and the Photographers Zone sponsored by Impressions.

This year's edition of the expo is also hosting the first edition of the Digital Arts Awards that will recognise the best digital work in the country. Over 80 submissions will be competing in the awards that celebrate local digital creativity in such areas as advertising, graphic design, print, audio visual, photography and web.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the end of the DA Expo 2009.

www.daexpo.eu