SA: ACT, University of Johannesburg to launch arts research unit

ACRU is a new research and development partnership, which aims to promote arts and culture research by positioning it centrally within economic growth and socio-economic development, exploring multi-disciplinary approaches to building and researching the cultural and creative economy.

The launch of the ACRU will feature a gourmet lunch for the symposium attendees courtesy of Swiss Hotel School live entertainment, a fashion show, visual arts exhibition, collaboration with local brands and a complimentary beer-tasting experience by Tolokazi beer.

It serves as a platform to bridge the relationship between South African universities, institutions and businesses involved in the arts and culture sector, while clearly defining and supporting meaningful collaborative and trading platforms that can practically expand opportunities. According to ACT and UJ, the key focus of the ACRU is to accelerate research that translates to practical implementation and potential commercialisation opportunities. ACRU will explore multidisciplinary approaches and opportunities for arts and culture within the creative economy, especially in its relationship with the tourism and hospitality sector, which has its own artistic and cultural offerings.

“We believe the ACRU will positively develop the much-needed arts economy and facilitate skills development that supports research into how culture translates into an arts economy,” ACT interim CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “By building knowledge about the arts and culture sector through research outcomes, the ACRU will identify best practice models to better facilitate the sector’s economic position as well as create access to opportunities and platforms for capacity building. The ACRU aims to create access to market and to initiate creative innovations within the art and culture space.”

The launch will take the format of a conference, which will feature an opening and closing plenary, followed by thematic panel discussions by industry heavyweights from the ACT industry, tourism, hospitality and universities. The conference seeks to adopt a practical approach to striving towards practical outcomes while the promotion of arts, culture, and heritage will be at the heart of the occasion. Guest speakers will address topics such as the role of culture, creativity, art, and tourism and the need to support innovations within the creative economy.

UJ College of Business and Economics associate professor Peter Baur said: “The arts and cultural sector of South Africa is rich and vibrant, flourishing with talent and vigour. Cultural entrepreneurship contributes greatly to the South African economy by providing multiple levels of creativity and innovation to an economy which is so desperate for opportunities to grow and flourish. What is a nation without its art and cultural roots? The role of art and culture in a global economy is resolute, and the arts play a vital role in facilitating economic development by creating a platform from which economic sustainability into the future of this nation is undeniably vital.”

The collaborative partnership with the Swiss Hotel School seeks to bring together cultural exchange and integration of the tourism and hospitality industries as a socio-economic development driver.

The Swiss Hotel School South Africa director Stephen Hickmore said: “The hospitality industry is indelibly connected to arts and culture. After all, food is an art form in itself. Art, music, dance and theatre need great venues, service and experienced hospitality professionals to enhance the experience of an audience. Let’s face it, when we work together we create something thrilling; a multi-sensory experience.”

Tickets to the symposium are available here.