Arts & Culture Research Unit (ACRU)

The Arts & Culture Research Unit (ACRU) is a collaborative initiative between the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and the University of Johannesburg College of Business and Economics and hosted by The Swiss Hotel School South Africa. It aims to promote arts and culture research by positioning it centrally within economic growth and socio-economic development, exploring multidisciplinary approaches to building the cultural and creative economy.

South Africa is a land rich in art and culture, yet there is still uncertainty over the value of arts and culture within the economic, social, and institutional contexts. The value of art and creativity is determined by culture inherent within institutional frameworks, which has a direct relationship between ‘innovation’, ‘creativity’ and the information that defines this.

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 at the 2024 ACT Symposium: The CCI Creative Web. 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.

To be hosted on the 12th of September 2024, kicking off at 09:00 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 format of the symposium will feature an opening and closing plenary, and thematic panel discussions, and inputs from interested groups and individuals, including:

  • Innovation in Arts and Culture Policies and Practices.
  • Building Networks and Collaborations.
  • Sustainable Financing and Commercial Business Models.
  • Commercialisation of Research.

More information and full programme coming soon!