The Digital DNA Creative Quarter

Showcasing the power of community through the mediums of music and technology - Thursday 26th October and Friday 27th October.

We're delighted to have partnered with Digital DNA to create a new series of creative workshops in the run up to the Other Voices Belfast concert event in The Duncairn on Saturday 28th October. Welcoming local community groups from across Belfast, the Creative Quarter workshops focus on how technology can empower communities - taking place at Girdwood Community Hub, Houben Centre, Denmark Community Centre and Intercomm. These innovative, inclusive events will feature speakers and workshops with some of the biggest names in digital technology and the creative industries, as well as showcasing some of the finest local musical voices. There are a limited number of free places left for these exciting workshops, but those interested can register at https://digitaldna.org.uk/creative-quarter/

'Creating A Safe Space Online' - Thursday 26th October, 10am - 12.30pm, Intercomm.

The first workshop takes place in Intercomm on Thursday 26th October. 'Creating A Safe Space Online' runs from 10.00am to 12.30pm, discussing safety online with regards to reputation and well being with Wayne Denner. The bestselling author of The Student’s Guide to Epic Online Reputation, Wayne set up Ireland’s first social network platform at the age of 17 and he now helps motivate young people, adults and organisations protect their reputation and well being online, take control of their online presence and maximise their talent in today’s digital world.

'Creating Change - Tech For Transforming Your Community' - Thursday 26th October, 2 - 4.30pm, Girdwood Community Hub

Connor Doherty will host this ‘Hack-athon’ to engage with community groups to tackle a local issue. The aim of this event is to demonstrate how collaboration with digital enterprise can empower individuals to regenerate their communities. First we will work to understand how to articulate the problem and then work with tech entrepreneurs (from Global Shapers) to work on solutions. Conor is the project manager of Techies In Residence and Membership Engagement Manager with Manufacturing NI. Techies in Residence helps community organisations tackle social problems by creating technology led solutions which can scale and be used as touchstones for change within organisations. Connor’s work with Manufacturing supports indigenous companies grow and compete on global markets.

'Creating An Entrepeneurial Culture' - Friday 27th October, 10am - 12.30pm, Denmark Street Community Centre

Young Enterprise NI will host an interactive session with entrepreneurs and challenge participants to think about how they might host a music festival.
Invest NI Music Business Support will host a panel discussion including entrepreneurs from the music industry, inspiring young people to be entrepreneurs and discussing the opportunities of the tech/digital sector, especially within the music/arts sector. This event will contribute to promoting economic growth and building a knowledge economy. Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is a charity developing the entrepreneurial skills and aspirations of young people aged 4–25 to prepare them for the new economy. The Music Business Support Programme is an Invest Northern Ireland led programme that is delivered by a team of experienced music business practitioners. The programme supports the development of artists and businesses in Northern Ireland.

'Creating A New Vision - The Creative Industries', Friday 27th October, 1.30 - 4.30pm, Houben Centre.

Connect at Catalyst Inc will be delivering a session on Creative Industries opportunities in Northern Ireland, sharing expertise and details of their youth programme, Generation Innovation. They will be joined by some of their successful friends who have developed start-ups in creative industries in Northern Ireland. They will be sharing their top tips and advice to the students and discussing jobs of the future. Speed Motion will explore the opportunities of the social media industry and their own involvement in working with influencers within the social media space. Connect at Catalyst Inc is a not-for-profit network of experienced entrepreneurs, business professionals and top research talent, dedicated to the creation and scaling of innovation companies in Northern Ireland. Speed Motion was founded by videographers Damien Gallagher and Billy May, in 2012. Sharing a kindred passion for filmmaking and storytelling, with a particular interest in athletes, their series 'Selfmade' has been aired on multiple channels around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and America to over 460 million households in 181 countries.