On November 25, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) hosted the Durham Tourism Summit and Art of Transition Creative Awards (DATCA) at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC) at the Oshawa campus, a day-long celebration of Durham Region’s creative economy showcasing its history, attractions and business community.

Presented by the Art of Transition, a forum for creative minds and innovative thinkers to connect and brainstorm new ideas, foster partnerships and welcome new opportunities for transitioning Durham Region into a new, creative economy, the event featured more than 90 artists, businesses and organizations; a series of industry speakers; and the first-ever DATCA.

Comprised of five categories including best collaboration between business, the arts and community; best story about Durham in any medium; best entertainment in any medium; best integration of art and culture in the workplace; and best use of art and artists to advance social and environmental sustainability, DATCA expresses local corporate and civil citizenship while promoting creativity, innovation and collaboration in the business community. Nominees were judged on innovation, effectiveness, influence, viability, sustainability and impact.

 “As one of the organizers of the event I was very impressed with the team,” said Greg Murphy, dean, Durham College School of Media, Art & Design (MAD). “I thought the event went extremely well and I couldn’t believe the magnitude of success considering we had less than eight months to organize it.”

The college was well represented at the event by the School of Business, IT & Management, which presented the skills and experiences of its culinary students as well as the School of MAD, which created a media display tower.

Constructed by MAD technologists Oliver Fernandez and Darren Fisher, the tower promoted a variety of MAD programs including Game Development, Animation – Digital Arts/Animation – Digital Production, VFX and Digital Cinema, Internet Applications and Web Development and Multimedia Design.

“We ask our students to become engaged in the community, so it’s important that as a college, we do the same,” added Murphy. “Durham College is energetically dedicated to the Art of Transition, which gives us an opportunity to strengthen our reputation and make a real contribution to the culture and economy of Durham Region. As a college we are taking a lead role in the development of a rich and vibrant community where our graduates can establish their careers and raise their families.”

The School of MAD offers 15 hands-on educational programs, providing students with the skills and creative talents required to collaborate with community groups and positively impact the culture and continued growth and development of Durham Region.