FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 August 2024

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 you to join them on a research adventure. The 2024 ACT Symposium: The CCI Creative Web is a groundbreaking 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 12 September 2024, kicking off at 08:00 AM (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 modeling, followed by a curated night market from 17:00 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.

“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,” says Jessica Denyschen, ACT Chief Executive Officer. 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 groundbreaking event, purchase your ticket via Quicket.

To keep in touch with the Arts & Culture Trust please visit the ACT website, follow ACT on X or like the ACT Facebook page.

#ACRU #ACRUSymposium #ACT30 #NotYourAverageSymposium #ACT #UJCBE #SwissHotelSchool #ACTstrat

ENDS

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Celebrating 30 years of arts excellence – Arts & Culture Trust

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent development and art investment organisation. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the capacity for arts and culture initiatives to create sustainable futures, through development and investment in innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. Through structured development programmes, ACT provides support to all expressions of arts and culture, including literature, music, visual art, theatre, and dance, and the support extends to festivals, community arts initiatives, arts management, arts education, and arts administration.

Over the past 30 years ACT has supported more than 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide, including small businesses. For more information, please visit the ACT website, follow them on X, or like their Facebook page.

About The College of Business and Economics (CBE)

The College of Business and Economics (CBE) is the largest faculty at the University of Johannesburg. The CBE houses six schools, twelve departments, six centers, one institute, one research lab and three SARChI Chairs. The CBE qualifications range from diplomas to postgraduate diplomas as well as undergraduate degrees to postgraduate degrees. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has achieved its highest-ever position in global rankings, and is now ranked number 36 in the world. The 2023 global ranking from the Center for World University Rankings placed UJ among the top 3.1% universities worldwide.The School of Economics is ranked Number 2 in Africa according to the Shanghai Index. . The School of Economics works diligently with Government Departments and institutions providing support and developing research in the areas of local economic development and cultural economics.

The Swiss Hotel School South Africa

The Swiss Hotel School South Africa opened its doors in 1995. Now based at its fabulous campus in Ferndale, Gauteng; The Swiss Hotel School is registered with The Department of Higher Education and Training. Offering a CHE-accredited Bachelor of hospitality management as well as SAQA and QCTO-accredited 3-year Professional Culinary Arts Programme (ProfCAP). SHS is considered one of the best hospitality business schools and culinary institutions in Africa. Culinary Arts have a unique place in Arts and Culture. It penetrates the heart of our heritage and as a constantly evolving multi-sensory experience, challenges, and thrills those who both develop and experience its various forms.