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Sunday, February 8, 2015

CREATIVES MAKE IT HAPPEN AT 2015 CONFERENCE



The programme of the 2015 ACT | UJ Arts & Culture Conference is focused around the theme Creatives Make It Happen; and promises an alternative offering to the usual conference fare.

Due to take place in Johannesburg in March, conference delegates can look forward to engaging in practical ways with attendees, speakers and industry professionals; with a focus on cultivating business ideas and best practice in a contemporary creative South Africa.

The third ACT | UJ Arts & Culture Conference will be a healthy mix of sessions presented by thought and industry leaders; and varied opportunities for more direct engagement with interesting spaces and practicing creatives who are ‘making it happen’. Each cluster of sessions will focus on a different aspect affecting the creative community, allowing those who would prefer to engage only with one specific area of interest to do so, if they are unable to attend the full conference.

Because the creative sector naturally pursues alternative ways of thinking and doing things, this creates a stimulating environment; which can appear disorganised and incohesive – and therefore difficult to engage with for those who sit on the edges. Yet this focus on unconventional thinking is what builds the intrinsic value of the creative industries.

This gathering presents an invaluable chance for people working at different levels and in different contexts in the sector to meet and learn from one another, in order to make better use of the opportunities available. From those driving policy and interrogating academic concepts, to representatives of big business and funding agencies, to those running or supporting formal and informal creative businesses; everyone involved in driving economic value through a creative venture has a place in this conversation.

An opening evening geared towards introductions of a creative, intellectual and social nature will set the scene, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the rest of the event. The next day, a cluster of sessions will roll out, providing an overview of the local and international creative industries, and where South Africa is placed in terms of this. Key personalities will give insight into the thinking and more formal structures within which the South African market is operating, and allow for insightful discussion around fundamental matters.

Specific examples of new and current business models, featuring presentations from different kinds of creatives who are pursuing alternative ways of sustaining their businesses, will formulate the third cluster; while a fourth cluster of sessions will be looking at the intersections of brands, business and the arts, and examining shared value – a fresh look at partnerships and opportunities from each perspective.

A particularly exciting addition to the 2015 conference offering is a tour taking delegates into nearby creative communities to engage practically with new spaces and case studies, and related conversations; with the intention of stimulating innovation and inspiration in the sector. The tour allows delegates to make choices to attend the area and sessions likely to be most interesting for them.

To stay up to date with information and opportunities, visit www.creativeconference.co.za Tickets now available at www.webtickets.co.za

The ACT | UJ Arts & Culture Conference is presented by the Arts & Culture Trust, UJ Arts & Culture and British Council Connect ZA, with support from the SAMRO Foundation, Pro Helvetia and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA); and media partner Classicfeel magazine. The conference will run from March 8 to 10, based at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).