INTERNATIONAL ARTS CONFERENCE

An international conference on arts in June is envisaged to make huge difference to the development of arts and culture.

One of the highlights on the Tshwane University of Technology’s calendar this year is an international conference, with the theme: Arts Society and Sustainable Development, that will be hosted from June 27 to 29, 2011, at the Prestige Auditorium, Pretoria Campus, Tshwane University of Technology. The conference is organized by the Faculty of the Arts.

Arts and culture organisations, non-governmental organisations, stakeholders in the arts, art practitioners, government officials as well as local and international academics are invited to participate. “To date we have received 92 abstracts from prospective participants from 13 countries,” says Prof Patrick Ebewo, convener of the conference.

“The conference will encourage debate around the socio-cultural development of communities, development of products, entrepreneurship, and the economy,” Prof. Ebewo adds. “Aspects such as the ability to brand, determining niche markets, developing business plans and attracting customers should be investigated since they play critical roles in the development of arts and design. Presentations will therefore be geared towards centre-staging the arts’ capacity to help shape the past, present and future of contemporary societies.

“It is expected that the conference would make a huge difference in the development of arts and culture,” says Prof Ebewo, “particularly with regards to rural, township and urban development.”

Keynote speakers include Prof Christopher Balme, President of the International Federation for Theatre Research, University of Munich, Germany; Prof Charity Angya, Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Mr Eddie Mbalo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Foundation in South Africa; and Ms Michelle Constant, Chief Executive Officer of Business and Arts South Africa.

The call for abstracts has been extended to February 28, 2011. Interested parties are welcome to visit www.tut.ac.za or e-mail artsinfo@tut.ac.za for more information.