The Mobile Journeys initiative grew out of a recognition that the mobile phone will be even more important in modern culture in the coming years than it is today. Over 70% of Australians already own a mobile and the sophistication and capabilities of handsets and networks are growing at an incredible rate. Experts predict that in 5 years, we will be accessing the internet regularly from the mobile phone, and using it for information and entertainment as well as just communication. But are we being left behind? Many people who use a mobile phone have no idea about the higher end functions of their handset, much less about how to go about creating a wallpaper or ringtone, or discovering a new way to share pictures with their friends. But all of this is easy, and Mobile Journeys aims to teach people how to play with and get more from their mobile. Creating content for mobile is very much like creating content for websites, and simple, fun things can be done easily by anyone with a good idea, access to a computer and a few simple tools. The Mobile Journeys program includes workshops for new media artists, community groups, kids, and the general public. You can also create material at home and send in your work. Check out the calendar to see all the events unfolding over during January and February Mobile Journeys Project Objectives The general project objectives are to: Work with industry partners to develop and nurture Australian skills Provide opportunity for content creators to better understand the mobile media space and creation process Provide scope and challenge for the different contributor groups (artists, new media producers and general public) Create a body of artistic content for consumption via mobile devices Empower the general public to explore the capabilities of their mobile for content creation and consumption Work with industry partners to maximise efficiencies and project visibility Primary Partners The Mobile Journeys Consortium consists of a range of not-for-profit bodies who want to see the development of Australian skills in mobile content creation. Each consortium member has brought their own skills, resources and expertise to the table to help put together this program. The end result is a comprehensive networked program with a national focus AIMIA (Australian Interactive Media Industry Association) is the peak industry body for the digital content industry, representing new media developers, practitioners and media companies in order to support their professional development and act as for advocate the industries within which they work.   dLux media arts encourages the development and critical discussion of innovative film, video, new media and sound arts by emerging and established artists in Australia, and actively promotes and exhibits this work to diverse audiences nationally and internationally.   ANAT (Australian Network for Art and Technology) creates connections and collaborations across art, science and technology. ANAT is Australia's peak network and advocacy body for artists working with science and technology, creating opportunities for innovation, research and development both nationally and internationally.   m.Net is a government-funded consortium tasked to expand and develop Australia's mobile market fitness through a program of education and product development. It assists commercial developers to create products and take them to market.   SAFC is a statutory body tasked to lead the creation and delivery of critically acclaimed and commercially successful ideas, moving images and sound for any viewing medium; increasing the turnover of South Australia's production industry and enhancing employment opportunities.   ABC New Media and Digital Services is an output division of the ABC. Its remit is to provide Australians with the most inspiring new media experience and to bring them new ways to engage with each other and the world.