Digital Innovations Day at FOCUS Wales to Feature Wrexham Glyndwr University

The artists, innovators and entrepreneurs leading the digital revolution in Wales are to be showcased at FOCUS Wales 2017.

Digital Innovations Day is a new addition for the 2017 edition of the festival, which welcomes over 7000 visitors to the town every year.

Sponsored by the Welsh Government, the day aims to support the growth of the Welsh creative industries sector through inspiring new creative professionals in the potential of digital technologies, equipping them with the knowledge to exploit them, and fostering new partnerships to make sure this happens.

Wrexham Glyndwr University will be playing a central role on the day, Saturday 13 May, with three panellists featuring across the event at Un Deg Un, Regent Street.

Steve Jarvis and Mike Corcoran, from the School of Creative Arts, are chairing debates – one of which will involve Rich Hebblewhite, senior lecturer in computing, speaking about opportunities for musicians in the games industry.

Rich said: “Audio is one of the most important ingredients of game design and immersion. It helps to dictate flow and set the tone of the game and can also be vital to the way that game play mechanics are designed and perceived. Its importance is now recognised in awards and by experts across the world.

“As the industry continues to develop at the grass roots level, we are seeing more opportunities for aspiring musicians and sound designers, which is great news.

“Larger, more established studios will always be looking to fill positions dedicated to sound design and production, whilst the smaller more embryonic ones commonly look for fixed term contractors to support specific game projects.

“The opportunities are there, and a big part of the battle is knowing where they are.”

The event will also feature an interactive expo showcasing some of the most exciting new technologies on the market, live performances from artists who use technology to bring their shows to life, and a networking reception featuring an address from Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Transport Ken Skates AM.

Wrexham Glyndwr University will be well represented at the expo via current students, departments, subsidiaries and alumni.

These include computer game development students, Calon FM, Techniquest Glyndwr, Hybrid Coaching, Creative Catalysts and Filmage.

Rich added: “Events such as Focus Wales are hugely important to both the music and games industries as they encourage networking and expose participants to ideas and opportunities that they might otherwise have missed out on.

“For me, it’s always good to be involved in events that help promote the industry and encourage collaboration, especially at the grass roots level. This is a key ingredient of our plans to continue growing a vibrant and sustainable games industry in North Wales.”

The event is one of many featuring as part of this week’s FOCUS Wales festival – Wrexham’s annual three-day celebration of music and culture.

Taking place between Thursday 11th May and Saturday 13th May, this year’s event sees the biggest contingent of music industry professionals to descend upon FOCUS Wales to date. Up to 100 delegates will be attending the festival from all corners of the world to offer their industry expertise and take advantage of the fantastic line-up of music and arts taking place across the three day festival.