Pop Filter Hot Pick!: Party with Pittsburgh's Who's Who of Art & Innovation

If you're going to pick 15 minutes to be famous, make it during tomorrow night's DATA bash at The Pittsburgh Technology Council, where you can rub elbows with the region's leading thinkers in art, design and technology. The cleverly titled event (read: Design, Art & Technology Awards) will showcase the region's top talents in fields that are putting Pittsburgh on the global map in terms of art and innovation.

Never heard of poptics? Curious about the science behind animation? Equal parts art exhibition high-tech mind-share, the DATA bash is the only regional event of its kind. Bridging the gap between art and technology, while actively encouraging synergies between the two, the event takes place in the Tech Council's 15 Minutes Gallery, which promotes a cross-section of culture and commerce.

Debuting a fresh new moniker, format and awards categories, DATA will also go heavy on the art, with a gallery exhibition, performance by music winner David Bernabo, video screenings, gamerooms, and installations. Honorees include more than 20 individual artists, as well as locally-based companies such as deeplocal, Net Health Systems and Wombat Security Technologies.

The 2010 DATA awards party reads like a local Who's Who of art and innovation, with a pairing of internationally-acclaimed Pittsburgh artist, Burton Morris and Medrad CEO, John Friel as keynote speakers. Also assembled for the first time will be a consortium of innovative technology business leaders and artists who are transcending traditional boundaries, exploring links between the creative practice and invention. From robotics, electronic arts and interactive sculpture, to gaming, film and industrial design, the event will honor 40 of the region's cutting-edge creatives.

The first 50 people to register will be eligible to win a limited edition work by Burton Morris. Purchase tickets now.

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