New Zealand’s most creative and innovative minds are set to collide in Wellington later this year at WLG-X: A Festival of Creative Collisions. Over five days in September, WLG-X brings together the worlds of technology, design, film and music in an eclectic array of events, experiences, gigs, film screenings, and a programme of top notch international and local speakers.

WLG-X Co-Founder Terri van Schooten – the Event Director who spearheaded the development of many iconic Wellington events - says WLG-X will bring a new level of fun and excitement to the city.

“We’re taking inspiration from international festivals such as SXSW in Austin, Texas which has shown that creating an environment for industries that don’t normally connect to ‘collide’ allows individuals and businesses to move in new, exciting directions."

“WLG-X will provide an amazing opportunity for those in the creative and innovation sectors to connect and learn from each other. The festival will both enhance our creative offering as a country and showcase our talents internationally”

“Our tech, design, film and music sectors have so much in common, but everyone is so busy and siloed in their day-to-day lives. There’s usually no opportunity to explore this properly – WLG-X will change this.”

Alongside showcasing New Zealand creatives and innovators, WLG-X is bringing in global experts to provide inspiration those in each of the relevant sectors. Already announced speakers include:

• Music management entrepreneurTy Stiklorius, Founder of Friends at Work, the agency which manages the likes of John Legend. Ty is also a producer for live broadcast music specials and was an executive producer for the film La La Land.
• Nonny de la Peña, CEO and Founder of Emblematic Group. Nonny is widely known as the “God-mother of Virtual Reality.” She is a pioneer of virtual, augmented and mixed reality, and credited with inventing the genre of immersive journalism – which uses VR technology to transport people into the story being told.
• Jack Liang, a digital animation producer and film industry maverick. As a producer and business partner for Tokyo-based Polygon Pictures, Mr Liang won an Emmy Award in 2017 for his work on the Amazon Prime’s children’s series “Lost in Oz”.

These new speakers join a growing list of influential people who are ahead of their game in a diverse range of industries, from film distribution and music management – through to Artificial Intelligence, digital media and even flying cars!

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency Chief Executive Lance Walker says the festival will provide a bold new stage for creative minds to flourish.

“WLG-X is an event unlike anything else in the country. It brings together a range of creative talents to ignite ideas, innovations and passions.

“It will build on the capital’s strengths in innovation, music, film making, digital and tech leadership while supporting our reputation as a great cultural city.”

Pre-sales for WLG-X Passes are available now for $799. A single pass gives access to the full public programme, allowing participants to curate their own experience and indulge their curiosity across the five days of the festival.