The UK's largest showcase for Digital designers takes place next week.

dSCAPE is being held at Fabrica in Duke Street, Brighton, and will bring together emerging talent in the fields of animation, graphics, interactive design and film.

The event, now in its third year, is organised by the digital media-based business development agency Wired Sussex and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Last year more than 300 delegates attended the three-day exhibition.

The event kicks off on Tuesday evening with a portfolio clinic where aspiring creatives can have their work evaluated by people already established in business.

Some 15 companies from Brighton and Hove have agreed to give their expert opinions, including Channel 4 web site designers 72 Dots and global games testers Babel Media.

On Wednesday evening an interactive workshop run by renowned animators Angie Taylor and Sarah Strickett will explore the process of making short and feature-length animations.

On Friday, six top designers from Brighton and Hove, including sculptor Steve Geliot and mobile game designer Tom Hume, will display their work and discuss their inspirations.

dSCAPE is part of the first Brighton Digital Festival which covers a series of events which aim to show how digital technology is shaping business, the arts and lifestyles.

The festival, which runs from November 8 to November 30, will feature an interactive exhibition, workshops on animation and talks from leaders in the field.

Internet surfers can nominate their favourite local web sites for the Brighton and Hove Web Awards and creative types can network and learn new skills.

The festival was established to pull together a series of events including dSCAPE.

This year funding has come in the shape of 'in-kind' sponsorship but the plan is to create a much bigger and more cohesive festival next year to rival others in the city.

Tara Solesbury, project manager from Wired Sussex, said: "The aim is to highlight the pioneers in this city who are really pushing boundaries with digital technology.

"There are so many small companies in Brighton and Hove who have international clients and are helping to shape the digital age and the festival aims to raise their profile."

For more information, contact Wired Sussex on 01273 201780 or email wiredsussex.co. uk
Tuesday, November 1, 2005