'We are looking to collaborate on undergraduate and graduate programs in Art and Design, Digital Arts and Digital Games.' With this request Vince Briffa, working at University of Malta at the Department of Digital Arts, Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, addressed to Gertrud van Dam. In January Vince Briffa and Saviour Chircop, Dean of the faculty, visited Utrecht for an intensive introduction programme.
Creativity and entrepreneurship
It wasn't really a coincidence that Jan Pieter van Seventer (JP), Dutch Game Garden, only just arrived from his visit to Malta where he attended the official launch of the Malta Game Fund. No big surprise that Vince and Saviour spend almost a whole day at the Dutch Game Garden, discussing cooperation and meeting young artists. How to combine creativity with entrepreneurship was the theme that came along several times during their stay. For example in the meeting with Cindy Dekkers and Stephan Aarts, successful creative entrepreneurs in fashion with their Designer Café, both already introduced in Malta.
Global Game Jam
They came at the right moment to attend the start of the 5th Global Game Jam: a worldwide event in which young artists and students develop a new game in 48 hours. Visiting the Utrecht University of Applied Arts, faculty Art, Media and Technology in Hilversum, they had the possibility to experience the vibe. At the same weekend Caldon Mercieca, Ministry of Culture, came especially to attend the Global Game Jam. With JP Caldon developed ideas for Malta to participate next year.
These visits and new contacts already led to a follow up. JP will participate in the Malta Game Fund as an advisor, and the two knowledge institutes are making concrete steps towards exchange and cooperation.
