The Arts & Culture Trust, in
partnership with UJ Arts & Culture, will present a conference entitled Creative Currencies: Accessing Opportunities
in an Expanding Marketplace from August 6 to 8, 2013, at the UJ Arts Centre
in Johannesburg.
Thought leaders in the creative sector will
gather for an exciting knowledge-exchange, MCed by industry gem Mike van Graan.
Focusing on commercial and trade aspects of cultural and artistic endeavour in
South Africa, on the continent and globally; it is hoped that the wide-range of
delegates will be inspired, educated, and use the opportunity to grow personal
networks.
“It has become vitally important for the
stakeholders of the artistic and cultural sectors to debate matters of mutual
concern in an unbiased, independent and structured environment,” said Arts
& Culture Trust (ACT) Chairperson Melissa Goba. “The second ACT | UJ Arts
& Culture Conference is presented with the hope of improving interrogation
into aspects that have an undeniable impact on arts, culture and heritage.”
The three-day conference will kick-off with
an exciting presentation by UK cultural strategist, John Newbigin, which
considers what the Creative Economy actually is. His address will unpack the
history of data collection and measurement of the creative industries, as well as
how this has successfully been used in various countries. Newbigin will also
interrogate how the creative industries have benefitted sections of society.
Continental perspectives concerning aspects of cultural entrepreneurship will
be presented by representatives from Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana; who will also
interrogate how governments support - or undermine - the development of the
creative industries. A panel comprising South African government officials will
discuss their interactions with the creative sector.
During the course of the last decade, the
export of South African creative and cultural services to the European Union
has more than doubled. The export of creative goods has, however, remained
largely stagnant and we import substantially more creative goods and creative
services than we export. These and other insights form part of an EU-funded
research project co-ordinated by the Visual Arts Network of South Africa, the
British Council and Arterial Network South Africa; which will also be presented
on the first day.
Other slots (which include breakaway
sessions) will facilitate engagement around entrepreneurship, ownership of
content (copyright and the divide between developed nations and third world
countries), how useful the South African creative industries are (as part of
public policy) and the changing roles of public cultural entities, and the role
and regulation of stimulating local content development. A cocktail networking
event will coincide with a preview of Johann Louw’s exhibition.
On Day Two, presenters will embark on an
exploration of places and spaces, probing synergies between cities and arts and
culture, as well as the role of festivals and trade fairs and their economic
dynamics. Presentations will focus on trends and opportunities for cultural
practitioners. Practical examples of advertising and marketing will fall under
the spotlight, looking especially at how to improve market penetration and
expanding client- and audience bases. Information will be shared regarding
residencies, curating across borders (geographical and sectoral), development
in the areas of cultural entrepreneurship and business acumen; with an
introduction to exciting digital possibilities.
The final day of the conference will offer
extensive information regarding digital and online technologies and how these
are breaking boundaries in an ever-increasing, globalised, and inter-connected
world. The digital creation and delivery of content will be interrogated, as
well possibilities for relationships and audiences expansion utilising the vast
range of online opportunities, culminating in an exploration of how the
Internet and digital spaces could be employed specifically for income
generation.
Presenters include the likes of educator,
entrepreneur and activist Max Kaizen, new media specialist Mark Kaigwa,
Mhlanganisi Masoga from the Department of Trade and Industry, Tayengwa Masawi
from the Industrial Development Corporation, SAMRO’s Andre Le Roux, Avril Joffe
of Culture Arts and Jobs, techno guru Dave Duarte, BASA CEO Michelle Constant,
David Krut of David Krut Projects, Baylon Sandri of SMAC Gallery, curator MJ
Daroll, gaming expert Pippa Tshabalala and business and play strategist Prof
Elaine Rumboll.
A second edition of the SA Arts and Culture
Listing, an up-to-date national database of industry stakeholders, will be
released at this year’s conference. Media partners SAFM, Mail & Guardian
and ClassicFeel magazine add additional strategic marketing opportunities. The
organisers further wish to acknowledge the invaluable support of Santam,
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), the SAMRO Foundation and Distell
Foundation.
The Conference will take place from August 6
to 8 at UJ Arts Centre, Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg. R750 per
delegate includes access to all presentations, entertainment and refreshments.
For more information, registration, or to download the conference brochure; visit
www.act.org.za. Registration closes on July
26, 2013.
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