As the countdown to Makhanda hits single figures, you’re probably wondering how you’ll be spending the time you’re not on stage….well wonder no more! Last year we launched Creativate Digital Arts Festival in partnership with Standard Bank and, in 2019, it’s back – bigger and better. Creativate is here to inspire you to explore the terrain where creativity meets technology. And to get you thinking about possibilities for your own work and art.

And if that’s not exciting enough, here’s the best bit: all Creativate talks (from local and international gurus), workshops and exhibition spaces are totally free. So when planning your time in Makhanda make sure you leave plenty of gaps to experience and get inspired in our Creativate sessions.

• Browse the full range of Creativate events by clicking here

Creativate highlights

SLAVES TO THE RHYTHM – Renowned drummer Barry van Zyl (Johnny Clegg’s long-time drummer) and bassist Josh Hawkes (Freshlyground, Streaks, Zap Dragons) are back with a workshop exploring the music creation journey from Analogue to Digital.

THE INVISIBLE EXHIBITION is a collection of augmented reality artworks created and curated by top South African artists. A partnership between TMRW (The Mixed Reality Workshop) Gallery and Season 5 of the renowned Centre for the Less Good Idea, has led to this experimental collection of “invisible” artworks by Lady Skollie, Blessing Ngobeni and William Kentridge, to name a few.

AN ARTISTIC APPROACH TO EMERGING TECHNOLOGY – Eden Labs is a research and development lab exploring emerging technology. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the lab develops immersive experiences with artists to push the limits of these technologies. Focusing on VR / AR, 3D printing and software development, Eden Labs uses variety of mixed reality technology and other digital media to tell captivating and interactive stories.

TRIGGERFISH ANIMATION MASTERCLASS – Join Malcolm Wope, lead character artist at Triggerfish animation studios in Cape Town as he goes through the process of both creating worlds and stories in animation as well as getting it ready for a pitch. This insightful animation talk will touch on aspects of the industry that will be useful to anyone aspiring to be in it or for working professionals looking to make their ideas hit the big screen. Space for workshops is limited so secure your spot by booking a ticket now.

EXPLORING TECH IN THEATRE STORYTELLING – As the world of technology becomes more exciting, new ways of exploring the art of story-telling are unfolding. How can future artists, writers and directors make use of technology to enhance the creative art of telling their stories? This is the cornerstone of the lecture that writer/director Justin Wilkinson will be presenting as he demonstrates how using technology elements can enhance performances.

THE POWER OF PURR with Emmy-award winning creator Gary Baseman – Explore the “Power of Purr” as illuminated by US-based multidisclipinary artist Gary Baseman. In reaction to what the artist sees as his homeland country’s widespread anxiety about a crumbling democracy and growth of diviseness and racism, Baseman gains inspiration and wisdom from his pet companion Blackie the Cat, a long-time muse that inspired iconic Baseman characters ChouChou and Ahwroo who both represent the need for love. Starting In 2018, The Purr Room presented in Los Angeles and London has shared Blackie’s meditative “triple purr” with thousands, encouraging all to pause, re/focus on goodness, and feel the healing power of purr.

SONGSMITH AND THE LIVING WILL OF TECHNOLOGICAL ARTWORKS – In this talk, the artist Jenna Burchell shares her process and experience in the creation of her internationally acclaimed Songsmith project. She explores the nonsensical, yet beautiful, depth in technology when it is used with art; especially when it appears to act according to its own will. She poses the question; how can we merge art and technology into our physical world so that we can access knowledge otherwise invisible to us.

FROM RECTANGLE TO CIRCLE – Shelley Barry reflects on her creative practice as a filmmaker and the process of making her first virtual reality experience, HERE. Premiering at Creativate, “HERE”, is a combination of performances, film, animation and virtual reality creating a platform to reimagine Johannesburg as an inclusive stage for a fantastical happening.

How do you get to take part?

You get FREE access to all Creativate events. But capacity is limited so you need to book in advance to secure your spot.

• Want more detail? Download the full Creativate programme by clicking here

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