The
line-up, which boasts a new format and exciting content, will have delegates
engage with topics around creating and accessing opportunities presented in
their industries, and how creatives can impact society by playing an
economically important role.
This year’s conference, which offers a different experience from previous
years, has established itself as one where innovative and forward-thinking
individuals will gather to share ideas that will help stimulate both business
and creative sectors. In line with what the conference stands for, presenters
opening the third conference are just some of the very people who have made a
mark by pushing the boundaries in their industries.
The opening cluster, titled Imagine It - taking place at the University of
Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) on Bunting Road
Campus - will be emceed by international comedy sensation Tats Nkonzo, who will
set the scene and ensure participants are well-prepared for the sessions to
follow in the cluster-based conference programme. Nkonzo, who recently won the
2014 Montreux International Comedy Contest in Switzerland, is known for his
work on stage and television on shows such as SA’s Got Talent and Late Night
News with Loyiso Gola. He recently signed a deal with comedy promoters Mick
Perrin Worldwide - responsible for South Africa’s very own Trevor Noah, Eddie
Izzard, Dylan Moran, Ross Noble and Reginald D Hunter.
An address by visionary Dion Chang of Flux Trends will consider The Creative
Economy 2.0, encouraging those present to ‘stop thinking out of the box and
start rethinking the packaging’. Sharing his experiences in the industry as a
leading creative thinker, his presentation will look at how a global and local
state of disorder may be seen as an opportunity by repositioning ourselves
through creative thinking.
A Food Jam, presented by 2012 Masterchef SA top 10 finalist Jade de Waal, will
offer presenters and delegates an unparalleled chance to network, by
collaborating through the preparation and sharing of a meal.
The Food Jam phenomenon has grown over the past five years from what started as
a way of bringing De Waal’s friends together for an enjoyable evening, into a
thriving business.
“More than anything, Food Jams is a get-together based on the way I learnt
music. The first Jam happened in 2010 with a few friends who wanted to learn
how to cook. A few Jams later, it was friends of friends, we were all
strangers, but it didn't really matter because we were creating a meal together
and also realising we could cook. I’ve used Food Jams as an excuse to work, and
delegates at the Creative Conference will come together in creating a meal, be
encouraged to improvise and really get to play with their food,” explains De
Waal.
A cluster of sessions titled Hear It will roll out on Monday, 9 March,
providing an overview of the local and international creative industries. These
sessions will look at where South Africa is located in terms of international
trends and creative industries. Experts will give insight into the thinking and
formal structures within which the South African market is operating, and allow
for insightful discussion around fundamental matters.
The third cluster, Own It, will give examples of new and current business
models, featuring presentations from different kinds of creatives who have
pursued unconventional ways of sustaining their businesses; while Learn It, the
fourth cluster of sessions curated in partnership with Business and Arts South
Africa (BASA), will look at practical examples and experiences offering
enlightened perspectives, in the hopes of bridging the gaps between investors,
creatives, and their markets.
One of the particularly exciting components of this year’s conference, taking
place towards the close of the programme, is a tour taking delegates into
nearby creative communities where they will be able to engage with new spaces,
case studies and related conversations. This is intended to stimulate
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.
Tickets are now available via WebTickets, ranging
from R200 to R1000.
For more information, visit the Creative Conference website.