Digital design entrepreneur Michael Azzopardi describes Malta as a “creative hub waiting to happen”.” The implication of that statement, of course, is that we’re not quite there yet.
In fact, Mr Azzopardi himself is based in London, where he moved to further his studies and ended up co-founding Sebazzo with Austrian national Sebastian Hefel. The company now has studios in London and Austria, although it does have Maltese clients.
He credits the move to London with providing him the necessary focus to apply his creativity, but also believes that the opportunity to connect with other innovators was crucial in getting things going.
“I believe in networking and how being part of a scene benefits an individual’s work and career – these are things I feel are lacking locally. I also believe that Malta is the perfect size for such a community to thrive and gain momentum, it’s a creative hub waiting to happen and I don’t think we need to look very far for solutions or to stimulate interest,” he explains.
“Platforms like Hey Disco – though others are available – are good to get the ball rolling.”
The event was initially named DISCO, which stood for Discussing Innovation and Start-up Companies. The addition of the informal greeting Hey as a prefix “represents the element of connections and meeting new people,” Mr Azzopardi explains.
Though in the end it helps that it’s a catchy name: “We think it’s got a ring to it and it has the right balance of nondescript/suggestive qualities a good event name should have.”
‘Definitely no suits’
Next Friday’s event will be based around business talks and informal networking, but seeks to provide a good night out at the same time: the event does happen on a Friday night, after all.
The venue – Blitz, a restored townhouse and event space in Valletta – will have a fully stocked bar and cupcakes, and there will be music. And “definitely no suits”, according to the event’s website.
But there will also be talks by three people who have made it in the creative industry.
BRND WGN founder and CEO Peter Grech will discuss the challenges he faced when starting one of Malta’s leading branding agencies, and on how to build it up to attract foreign clients.
David Darmanin, who set up Hotjar.com last year, will share the story of how his start-up has already attracted 50,000 signups, and the challenges of bringing together the people and funds necessary to make that happen.
Rounding off the list is London-based producer, designer and brand strategist Rochelle Dancel, who will share her insights on why creative hubs like London were looking globally to form successful and mutually beneficial collaborations.
The event is aimed at “creatives,” Mr Azzopardi explains, adding, “We kept that vaguely specific on purpose. We always mean it in the wider sense of the word; creativity comes in many shapes and forms, which is why we are reaching out to all sorts of people.
“The common element among creatives is the passion, the drive to make things. We’re reaching out to designers, artists, writers, musicians, chefs, teachers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, students. Especially those who stand at the fringe of the industry and are considering a creative career, we want them to come and benefit from the energy that a room full of like-minded people generates.”
The event is free of charge, in part to ensure that it is as accessible as possible; the aim is for it to be the first in a series of events organised under the Hey Disco banner.
Sebazzo is sponsoring the first event in partnership with the Valletta 2018 Foundation, but Hey Disco is actively looking for sponsors and partners who share its vision and wish to support it to ensure that the series can be sustained.