THE Durban University of Technology (DUT), Faculty of Art and Design struts its creative prowess this week, 6 – 11 November, with the return of its 4th annual Digifest.
The six-day event will feature creative marvels that traverse various art forms. The art and design-centric event is aimed at inspiring, educating and provoking audience through a plethora of multi-media projects hosted at various DUT campuses.
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Visitors can look forward to live art activations, innovations, exhibitions, music, poetry, dance, drama, discussions and workshops. The craft and street food market will appease foodies with smorgasbord of delicious home-grown cuisine.
This title of this year’s theme is ‘Glitch’, an exploration of the relationship between art, science and technology. Dr Renee Smith, festival director and executive dean of the Faculty of Art and Design described the theme as “questioning and going beyond traditional notions of art in an interdisciplinary multimedia world, where design and creativity merge and interact with science and technology.”
The event comes hot on the heels of Durban being declared Africa’s first official city of literature by Unesco. DUT’s Vice Chancellor Professor Thandwa Mthembu praised Durban’s Unesco title but added that Durban’s dynamic culture extends beyond the written word to include journalism, fine arts, fashion, graphic and interior design. He stated, “It is a mix of technology and the arts that revolutionize the world.”
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Although the event is aimed evoking the creative spirit through a visual feast, it is the students’ work that takes centre-stage, “It provides a valuable opportunity for students to show case their work, and collaborate with professionals and other creatives,” said festival manager Steve Jones.
The highlight of Digifest is The Digital Battle, this live design tournament will bear testament to DUT’s student excellence as they compete with other entrants in a live design tournament. Entrants can choose to compete in 2D design, animation, character design or Video editing.
Entrance is free barring the events at the Steve Biko Campus on 11 November where tickets will be available for at a steal at R40 each, students free.