The two-day Arts and Design Digital Festival, a first of its kind for the Durban University of Technology (DUT), took place from Friday (12 September 2014) to Saturday (13 September 2014) at the University’ City Campus.

Keeping in line with the theme, Democracy 2020, students were encouraged to reflect on the 20 years of South Africa’s democracy, and showcase student and staff creative talent. Last Friday (12 September 2014), the festival was officially launched by Dr Rene Smith Executive Dean (Acting) of DUT City Campus and director of the Digital Festival, who emphasised that the festival was not just a future for digital arts and design, but a platform which valued creativity and discovery within and across various disciplines.

“The theme for this festival was Democracy 2020 so that students can engage with digital technology and be embedded in our local context as art is important to our democracy. The DUT Digital Festival is a motivation for students to exhibit their work on a digital platform, equipping them with skills for industry. When our students leave university we want them to be able to navigate the digital world,” she said.

Also commenting on the Digital Festival was Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ahmed Bawa. He added that the festival was contemporary, engaging the youth and their creative exploration of the digital age. “The DUT Digital Festival will be an annual event that will eventually take over the city. It is wonderful to see DUT students exploring an array of creative ideas across arts, design and performance departments, such as fashion designers working with graphic design students or video artists working with journalism students,” he said.

The festival programme also included a film festival, performance art, a QR code exhibit, live arts blogging and arts tweeting. For design-savvy shoppers and creative entrepreneurs, there were pop-up art stores which sold students’ work ranging from fashion, to full-colour digital prints on cushions and tote bags, to original jewellery designs.

– Laeeka Edries

Pictured: Festival Curator Suzy Bell reflects her artistic flair in her bright attire at DUT’s first Arts and Design Digital Festival.