The much-awaited Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival, will see the festival’s Cascade event take centre stage this week.
The exciting five-day workshop series will be led by British digital art organisation ‘onedotzero’, with over 16 years’ experience in curating and producing cultural events and content for brands and agencies.
Cascade is a collaborative multi-disciplinary project involving 30 students from colleges and universities across South Africa. The project is set to champion digital content development in a wide variety of digital disciplines such as interactive design, art, performance, engineering and architecture.
Prof Christo Doherty, co-founder of the Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival and Head of Digital Arts at Wits University says: “This is a unique education programme that challenges existing educational models, processes and formats. Cascade looks to foster personal and professional development in those who are about to embark on a career in the creative and cultural industries.”
The 2014 edition of Cascade has cast its central theme as ‘Play’ – promoting the notion that one of the best ways to explore a creative process, to collaborate and learn is through the act of playing. The project aims to provide participants with new skills, industry contacts and a diverse network for future collaborations.
Cascade has built a reputation for offering inspiration, insight, practical advice and first-hand experience in a fun and energetic environment. Activities will be led by some of onedotzero’s most innovative partners, creators and featured artists including UK digital artist Yuri Suzuki and game designer Richard Hogg. Locally, South African artist and DraftFCB’s Creative Technologist, Nathan Gates will be mentoring students and will assist onedotzero in facilitating the workshop.
Events Schedule for Cascade:
* Workshops (closed session), Tshimologong Garage, 41 Juta Street, Braamfontien – Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September.
* Public Interface for Workshop Outcomes – Friday 12 September, 20:00, TetraFix Creative Futures Party, Braamfontien
* onedotzero presents PLAY (special talks panel at A MAZE festival) – Saturday 13 September, 18:00 – 20:00 at the Tshimologong Club, 41 Juta St, Braamfontien, Johannesburg. International artists include Yuri Suzuki, Richard Hogg and onedotzero.
Cascade is run and organised through the British Council’s Connect ZA programme with Wits University’s Digital Arts and participation by graduate students is free. The 2014 Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival is expected to attract students, researchers and entrepreneurs with an interest in digital technology in the African context, with each event showcasing a different aspect of digital technology.
