Far from seeking an environment where we only encounter information or opinions that reflect our own, this stream engages in constructive thought leadership

Is the peak of artistic expression to create without constraint and is the pursuit of freedom in creative ideation somehow damaging to “real-world” expectations and outputs? We exist in a time and social context that demands balance, in spite of widespread liberalism at war with itself. How can open dialogue be invited when cancel culture is determined to suppress and limit all voices but its own?

From thought leader presentations focusing on Cultural Policy, to individualised talks between creatives (both in the business and creative spaces), to stimulating open debates held from divisive points of view, our aim is to learn through conversation. Is cultural policy a convenient exchange from corporate culture? Is applying marketing and branding principles to free-form thinking patronising at best or exploitative at worst?

SAVANNAH FEEKE-FORTUNE
HEAD: MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS

BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE MARKET

Leading researcher and academic Johanna Mavhungu traverses the tricky territory of key value chains, sustainable marketing models, marrying commercial enterprise with community development, systemic support for the arts to challenge outdated misconceptions that marketing and cultural policy are unrelated concepts.

ONE-ON-ONE

Sylvia Akach (Fine Music Radio) chats to Les Green (VP of start-up Teespring Les Green and former Creative Director for Nike Global) about strategic thinking, e-commerce marketing, global brands and youth culture.

BURNING ISSUES

Samm Marshall (News anchor, content Creator and founder of Social-TV) chairs a potentially fiery panel discussion with Earl Kopeledi (Head of Marketing for Luxottica Retail – Sunglass Hut), Phumza Rengqe (Group Marketing Manager of Distell), Monica Newton (CEO of the National Arts Festival Makhanda), Cleo Pokpas (Creative entrepreneur), Mariapoala McGurk (Creative and Public Programmes Coordinator at ConHill and playwright/director/dramaturg).