Week 2: Finding Our Spaces & Exciting Futures for African Creatives

This week, my mind has been buzzing about something fundamental to our growth and well-being: the spaces where community takes root.

My recent experiences across South Africa have gotten me a bit worried, In Joburg we are spoilt with vibrant hubs, where we know if you pass by you are guaranteed to bump into a peer – places like Mamakashaka in Braamfontein, Father Coffee in Rosebank, and 44 Stanley in Milpark offer an almost daily dose of creative connection – to the starkly different experiences I am experiencing in Nelspruit, Durban, and even Cape Town.

The Plato coffee here in Nelspruit is packed with office workers, and parents, maybe they are creatives, who knows.

While online platforms and events are valuable, they can't fully replace the easy, everyday access to physical spaces where conversations flow organically and a true sense of community can be nurtured, especially when you need it spontaneously.

This contrast makes me wonder the impact of this lack of consistent gathering spots in many areas. How does connection truly blossom without these readily available hubs for that quick informal exchange, idea sharing, and that vital feeling of belonging and being seen?

Research Corner: Investing in Senegal's Creative Industries

This week, I came across an insightful report by InsightsOut Africa on the potential of Senegal's Creative Industries. It highlights a nation rich in culture and a youthful, digitally driven population poised for creative growth. While Senegal boasts a history of cultural recognition and increasing government understanding of the sector's role in economic diversification, the report points to key barriers hindering investment, such as limited data, informality, and skills gaps. It underscores the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to unlock the full cultural and economic power of Senegal's creative industries.

Tool of the Week: Rayban Meta

This week's tool spotlight shines on the Rayban Meta smart glasses, which I had the chance to borrow from Daliso of 180by2. Initially intrigued by their stylish design, I was genuinely surprised by their functionality. These shades seamlessly integrate a camera, making them perfect for capturing both video and stills on the go. Beyond that, they handle calls and music playback with impressive ease. It's worth noting that the Meta AI features are not fully functional in South Africa compared to their global capabilities, but I'm excited to see how this evolves in the future. A funny observation I made is how the first-person perspective content reveals my true height – perhaps not always flattering to those shorter than me! Beyond personal use, the Rayban Meta glasses have proven to be a hit with both kids and adults, sparking curiosity and wonder. They also hold potential as a discreet "spy camera" and are surprisingly effective for street photography, as they don't intimidate subjects and encourage a more patient approach to capturing moments. Definitely a tool worth checking out if you're looking for a blend of fashion and function.

Article of the Week: How to Promote Yourself as a Creative

Unlike many other industries, success in the creative field often goes beyond just delivering great work. Whether you’re building a career in design, illustration, animation, writing, strategy or any other creative role, how you present and promote your work online can make all the difference in securing new opportunities. It’s about finding the right strategies that work for you.

What do we mean by self-promotion?

Self-promotion can be made up of a mix of both large and small efforts – from keeping your LinkedIn updated, to posting a TikTok selling your skills to future employers. This guide will walk you through the essentials: laying the foundation, getting yourself out there, before taking self-promotion to the next level – if and when you’re ready!

Putting yourself and your work out there can feel daunting – especially if self-promotion doesn’t come naturally. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room or a LinkedIn influencer to build your online and offline presence. It’s about making yourself discoverable in ways that feel authentic to you.

You can find the full article here: - I encourage you to check it out for more helpful tips!

Opportunity of the Week: Residency Program 2025 in Japan

This week's exciting opportunity takes us to Japan! The Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC) in Aomori is offering a Residency Program in 2025, centered around the intriguing concept of "CAMP." This is a fantastic chance for artists, curators, and researchers of all backgrounds to engage in creative activities, culminating in a public presentation. What's even better is that travel expenses and living costs are covered! The residency runs from September 15th to December 15th, 2025, with a core period in October and November. But don't delay – the application deadline is fast approaching on April 13th, 2025, at 17:00 Japan Standard Time (which is 10:00 AM SAST). Check out the full listing for more details and how to apply on their website. This could be an incredible opportunity for focused creative work in a new cultural environment!