The countdown has begun for the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Arts and Design Digital Festival (Digifest) which takes place virtually from 19 to 21 October 2021.

The 8th Annual Digifest hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) features an exciting programme with speakers from all over the globe.

This year’s programme has close to 28 sessions led by 56 innovators in the creative, technology, and entrepreneurship sphere from countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Brazil, The United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Germany, Singapore, Italy, Greece, and Mexico.

The theme for the three-day festival is ‘UNMASKED’ which conveys the notion of using peoples’ experiences during the pandemic to unleash creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to solve problems after the pandemic.

The eighth edition of Digifest also features a ground-breaking 48 virtual exhibitions by emerging and established artists. There will also be two online workshops on animation and design thinking hosted by Katanimate Animation Studio and Innovate Durban.

Further, the Jewellery Design Programme will hold three jewellery making workshops on beading, indigenous braiding, and scooby wire plaiting, encouraging entrepreneurship amongst our university community at large.

For the first time, this year’s Digifest will be hosted alongside FoAD’s Annual Postgraduate Research Conference which celebrates 7 years since it was first launched in 2015.

Speaking on both Digifest and the conference, FoAD’s Research Coordinator and Digifest Acting Director, Dr. Dianna Moodley said, “This is the first time we are hosting a virtual combined event.  These are two major flagship projects, each held annually. This is the ultimate convergence of brilliant creative minds in engagement around a kaleidoscope of masterful craftsmanship. This will truly be a treat for those who seek to inspire and be inspired.”

FoAD’s Executive Dean, Professor Runette Kruger will kickstart day one’s proceedings by giving the welcome and opening remarks. A spirited keynote address will be delivered by DUT Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, Professor Keo Motaung. Day two’s keynote address will be given by former FoAD Executive Dean and Digifest Originator, Dr. René Smith. DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo will deliver a dynamic day three keynote address.

To view Digifest08’s full programme and speaker profiles visit www.digifest.dut.ac.za

-Ande Msomi