Arts & Culture
Trust, University of Johannesburg College of Business and Economics, and the
Swiss Hotel School join forces to host the 2024 ACRU
Symposium: The CCI Creative Web Symposium
Tourism, hospitality, and travel are inherently intertwined with culture and creativity which serve as the attraction points of this vibrant convergence. No matter where you journey, there's a unique rhythm to the environment, a distinct culinary flavour, an evocative music scene, fashion trends, and bustling art markets – all part of a thriving cultural and creative economy that permeates every city. The City of Johannesburg stands out as one of the largest creative economies and cultural melting pots and tourist attractions in Africa, offering a unique unparalleled experience.
With this dynamic spirit, the Arts & Culture Trust, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg's College of Business and Economics and the Swiss Hotel School of South Africa, proudly invites those interested to join them on a research adventure. The 2024 ACT Symposium: The CCI Creative Web is a ground-breaking event where South African arts, culture, hospitality, and tourism professionals and executives converge to create an extraordinary conversation that ignites pragmatic plans for economic connections and innovation in this cross-industry event.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Swiss Hotel School in Ferndale, Randburg, this dynamic symposium will unfold on September 12, 2024, kicking off at 09h00 (SSAT). This year’s symposium features thematic panel discussions by industry heavyweights from the arts and culture industry, universities, fashion industry, tourism, and hospitality industries, including hotel chain executives, South African brand leaders, local artists, and economic strategists.
Attendees will be immersed in a day of creative economic conversations and modelling, followed by a curated night market from 17h00 that showcases the best of South Africa’s cultural and culinary delights, brimming with live entertainment, designer art products, fashion, music, gourmet food, craft gin and beer, and local wines.
Jessica Denyschen, ACT Chief Executive Officer, says: “The primary objectives of the Creative Web Symposium 2024 are to foster meaningful dialogue on and pragmatic approaches to integrating South African arts and culture into broader economic, social, and policy contexts, and to spotlight success stories of research and commercialisation within the creative industries”. She added that the event will delve into innovative financing and business strategies for arts and culture initiatives, strengthening networks between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the process.
Prof Peter Baur, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg’s College of Business and Economics says: “As we continue to explore the intersection of culture, business, and innovation, the Creative Web Symposium is a vital platform for fostering collaborations that drive economic growth. By harnessing the synergies between arts, culture, and tourism, we can create sustainable and impactful business models that reflect the vibrancy of South Africa's creative economy.”
Stephen Hickmore, Director of The Swiss Hotel School South Africa, says “Partnering with arts and culture is essential for the hospitality industry, enhancing the guest experiences and strengthening community ties. Local art and cultural performances make hotels and restaurants unique, offering guests a memorable experience beyond cuisine and a room for the night. By integrating local South African arts and culture, hospitality businesses can differentiate themselves, increase guest satisfaction, especially with overseas guests. Attendance at this event is pivotal in establishing stronger links between arts and culture, individual artists, and the broad hospitality industry.”
Four key themes will
guide the symposium’s discussions:
• Innovation in Arts and Culture Policies and Practices: Exploring policy, creative and technological platforms, including the XR and the Metaverse to support and generate opportunities for the CCI.
• Commercialisation of Research: Discussing models and strategies for monetising arts and culture research effectively, bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, and expanding accessibility to research and case studies and identifying priority research areas.
• Sustainable Financing and Commercial Business Models: Identifying and developing financing for sustainable businesses by building interdisciplinary business models for viable interdisciplinary commercial projects that integrate CCIs.
• Building Networks and Collaborations: Leveraging connections practically for enhanced synergies and defragmentation for wider impact in arts and culture projects.
Establishing
frameworks for future symposiums and conferences and facilitating the movement
of products from rural to semi-commercial markets will also be pivotal
discussion points.
The ACRU Symposium 2024 will be a hybrid event, allowing both in-person and online attendance from anywhere in the world with limited tickets available at R50 p/person. To secure your spot at this ground-breaking event, purchase your ticket via Quicket.
To keep in touch with the Arts & Culture Trust visit the ACT website, follow ACT on X or like the ACT Facebook page.
#ACRU #ACRUSymposium #ACT30 #NotYourAverageSymposium #ACT #UJCBE #SwissHotelSchool #ACTstrat
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