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Brendan Harkin Obituary
Brendan Harkin
September 1, 1958 - March 15, 2021
Brendan Harkin, 62, founder of X Media Lab, passed away on Monday, March 15, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Born on September 1, 1958 in Melbourne, Australia to James and Wilma (O'Brien) Harkin. His family and many friends from all around the globe mourn his premature passing and the loss of a cherished soulmate, friend, mentor, provocateur, and conversationalist.
A pioneering figure in digital innovation and media, Brendan started the first X Media Lab in 2003 at the Sydney Opera House. X Media Lab is the internationally renowned think-tank and workshop which brought outstanding international mentors to work with local companies on their own creative digital media ideas across entertainment, education, information, communications and the arts. X Media Lab events were held in 14 countries and 21 cities around the world.
Brendan created the inaugural "Interact Asia Pacific Multimedia Festival" in Australia; was Australia's first General Manager for Information Economy Public Awareness at the National Office for the Information Economy; created the nation-wide "Online Australia" program in 1999. The Australian Government awarded him an Australia Day Gold Medal for his efforts in this role. In 2016, the Australian National Film and Sound Archive recorded Brendan's oral history in recognition of his contribution to the development of Australia's interactive media industries.
In 2017 Brendan moved to America with his wife, Megan, who took up her post as the founding director of the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He is survived by his wife Megan Elliott, his sister Collen Harkin, and his daughter Astrid Harkin.
A virtual ceremony and celebration will be held on Friday, April 23, at 5pm CT. Friends all around the world are being encouraged to gather safely when they participate. For details Please visit: www.brendanharkinxml.com The Brendan Harkin X Media Lab Scholarship Fund to benefit Carson Center students has been established through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The Fund Number is 0155190. To make a contribution in honor of Brendan, please visit: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155190
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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