Digital works aim to captivate, engage, challenge
Cyberfest is part of the National Arts Festival, which is in its 45th year
The Creativate Digital Arts Festival will be running for the second year at the National Arts Festival (NAF) later this month in Makhanda.
This festival runs across all 11 days of the NAF and offers a vast menu of innovation and creativity.
NAF chief executive Tony Lankester, who co-curated the programme, described the digital festival as something for the “insanely curious”.
“This festival is not just for artists. It’s not just for geeks. It’s for the insanely curious. It’s for those who want a glimpse into the future of creativity and who want to know more about the brave new world we’re entering, and how technology is giving artists more ways to tell their stories,” said Lankester.
Creativate will take place at the Thomas Pringle Hall at the 1820 Settlers Monument.
The digital fest will see South African and international artists explore spaces where creativity and technology meet.
Lankester said: “Visitors of the festival will experience the present through new eyes, explore the possibilities of our future and encounter the past in ways yet to be imagined.”
Pioneers in music, innovation, social media and creativity will give talks and workshops for visitors.
The range of topics to be covered include interactive arts, social media, digital soundscapes and augmented reality.
A production titled Here is a virtual reality experience which has been directed by the Eastern Cape’s Shelley Barry.
She is an artist working as an experimental documentary film-maker and is also a disability rights activist.
Artists with disabilities will feature in her production.
All Creativate exhibitions, talks and workshops will be free, and visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.
As the NAF celebrates its 45th year, acting executive producer Nobesuthu Rhayi, said this year’s programme was one to look forward to.
“I would venture that festivalgoers are going to be challenged, amused and inspired by this year’s programme with its many layers and textures.
“Many of us will find ourselves meandering between ‘then’ and ‘now’ with a combination of past reflections and the unsettling present as we try to figure out what’s next for the country we call home.”