FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3, 2018
PLEASE ADD TO LISTINGS UNTIL November 30, 2018
Media Inquiries: (647) 479 4260
ARTSPOND / ÉTANG D’ARTS presents
in association with AGILO ARTS + BEMUSED NETWORK
Digital Arts Services Symposium 2019
Symposium des services d’arts numériques 2019
All digits on deck | Tous les caractères sur la table
Jessa Agilo & Margaret Lam (Co-curators)
March 15-20, 2019
Toronto Reference Library and other Toronto-area venues
Tickets: Early-bird rates (until Nov 30, 2018) 3-Day Special $85-170, 3-Day Regular $275-425, Single-Day $130-155
Regular rates (after Nov 30, 2018) 3-Day Special $100-180, 3-Day Regular $315-475, Single-Day $145-170
Information: hello@DigitalASO.ca | (647) 479 4260 | DigitalASO.ca
As advances in technology disrupt major industries from health and finance, to major film production and local artists, the question of the arts and cultural sectors’ digital transformation is not a matter of when, but how. And yet, what does it mean for arts services to “go digital”? From March 15-20, 2019, the 2019 Digital Arts Services Symposium / Symposium des services d’arts numériques (DASSAN19) will spark provocative dialogue about digital futures that the arts desire and how to get there.
Taking place at the Toronto Reference Library’s Bram & Bluma Appel Salon and other locations in downtown Toronto, DASSAN19 offers constructive, cross-sectoral dialogues and alliance-building opportunities inspired by pioneering keynote speakers, community salon sessions, professional industry exchanges, hackathon competition with a $5,000 grand prize, and a bootcamp for fledgling devotees to the digital world.
Proudly presented by ArtsPond in association with Agilo Arts and BeMused Network, DASSAN19 is designed to nurture valuable insights for both emerging and experienced producers and technologists alike, with the goal of building a critical digital practice within the arts and culture sector across Canada.
Key themes for the Symposium include Inspirational Stories – learning from our digital pioneers; Critical Reflection – cultivating a digital commons for arts and culture; and, Practical Transformation – an unconference where community members take centre stage to synthesize and respond to digital issues in the industry.
Stay tuned as more detailed programming announcements and open calls for session contributors and other participants are released on a regular basis in the coming weeks.
ArtsPond / Étang d’Arts (ArtsPond.com) is a non-profit bolstering big ideas and untapped potential in the arts into exceptional, everyday realities for collective impact on-the-ground and in-the-cloud. Major initiatives include DigitalASO – empowering transformation of digital literacy research, training, platform and alliance-building (DigitalASO.ca), and Groundstory – a cross-sectoral effort to uproot the adverse effects of gentrification on the arts and other vulnerable groups in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (Groundstory.ca).
BeMused Network (BeMusedNetwork.com) is a social-technical enterprise devoted to fostering meaningful connections in the arts and culture sector in Canada and beyond. We do this by applying user-centered design practices in the development of our own digital arts and cultural services and programs and sharing the best practices we have cultivated with the community. The philosophy behind our growing suite of online services, programs, and partnerships is very simple: connect, grow, and thrive.
DASSAN19 is generously funded by the Digital Strategy Fund at Canada Council for the Arts.
DASSAN19 Highlights
PRE-SYMPOSIUM (March 15-17, 2019 TBC) | 3 Days + 2 Intensives
Hackathon Competition
Four teams compete for a $5,000 grand prize for the most innovative digital arts services solution geared to the needs of small/indie arts community. Each team receives the support of dedicated sherpas including a business analyst, systems designer, and an artist.
Digital Bootcamp
Have an idea for a digital arts services project but lack the technical and business know-how? Learn the foundational design, project management, and business skills needed to bring your project to life.
SYMPOSIUM (March 18-20, 2019) | 3 Days + 3 Themes
Day 1: Inspirational Stories
What kinds of digital futures do arts services imagine for ourselves? Gather insights from the transformational journeys of our digital pioneers.
Day 2: Critical Reflection
Do we share a common digital denominator? Let’s begin carving out a digital commons for the arts and culture sector.
Day 3: Practical Transformation
How can digital be scaled to the local? An unconference to make each of our digital futures real.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS | Various Dates + Locations
Offsite
Can’t make it to Toronto in the middle of winter? Have no fear. Webinars, livestreaming of selected conference presentations, and other shared learning opportunities in the lead-up to, during, and following the symposium will be on offer.
Industry Marketplace
Have a digital product or service that you would like to share with a willing audience in arts and culture? Apply to share your wares during the industry marketplace at the Toronto Reference Library on Day 1 & 2 of the symposium (March 18 & 19, 2019).
Social Zones
Join us for after-hours socializing at conference opening and closing night parties on Day 1 & 3 (March 18 & 20, 2019), or attend a local art show on Day 2 (March 19, 2019). Meet some new friends, revel in some art, or get your groove on. The closing night party will also feature an awards ceremony for the hackathon competition.