Conference With A Difference in Cape Town | Western Cape Government

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Conference With A Difference in Cape Town

8 October 2013

Cape Town hosts the annual African Creative Economy Conference from 6 to 9 October 2013. Among the 300 international delegates, there are a significant number from African countries.

Different perspectives are being rendered by award-winning editors, noted playwrights, musicians, entrepreneurs, funders and think-tank directors. They will debate the role of African creative industries as economic drivers and potential contributors to the eradication of poverty and the broadening of democracy and human rights.

Arterial Network presents the conference and the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) is the implementing agency. The national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), City of Cape Town (CoCT), Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and others proudly support this event.

The conference runs in parallel with the African Creative Market, a programme of film screenings, music events, dance performances, book discussions, art shows and craft exhibitions at venues in Langa and in central Cape Town’s design and innovation district.

Research reveals that Africa’s share of the global creative economy is less than 1%. The conference aims to focus attention on the continent’s creative industries, not just as economic drivers, but also as contributors to the eradication of poverty and accelerators of democracy and human rights.

The conference programme highlights the following:

  • The African creative industries  and their relevance to African economic, social and political developments to be examined and redefined;
  • Detailed, up-to-date research to be undertaken and shared on each sector in the creative industries
  • The relevance of the creative industries within the broader political and economic context, for example, the role of BRICS countries in Africa, and the impact of countries such as China on the creative industries.

The conference rotates from region to region. It was first held in East Africa, Nairobi (December 2011), then in West Africa, Dakar (November 2012) and now in Southern Africa, Cape Town. The 2014 conference will be held in North Africa, Casablanca, Morocco with a Central African country as host in 2015.

The Chairperson of Arterial Network, Korkor Amarteifio, said: “This will be a conference with a difference. Delegates are invited to share ideas and research through formal and informal presentations. At the same time, there will be a strong emphasis on the arts in practice. Among other areas, our programme will celebrate African talent in film, literature, theatre, music, fashion, food, craft – and much more.”

All the stakeholders are optimistic that this conference will lead to the necessary changes in the hearts and minds of the ruling elite. Africa’s creative industry has a lot to offer to the rest of the world.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za