“The idea behind these conversations is for the series to create a bridge linking conversations that emerged from the previous conferences and to set in motion discourse around interdisciplinarity, unpacking and previewing creative intersections in an intimate and interactive setting,” she explains.

Creatives in Conversation offer platforms for creatives to be introduced to the content that the upcoming Conference Programme will explore (Wednesday, 16 and Thursday, 17 March). Interdisciplinarity is normally framed within an academic framework and the free series will start unpacking the fusion of academic disciplines that have evolved into this movement. #creativeintersections aims to extend the scope of this adoptive thinking approach outside of academic confines and to stimulate thought around how interdisciplinary practice finds its way into the local environment, identifiable through working spaces, individuals and organisation. Furthermore it also aims to explore the potential this kind of thinking holds for the creative industries.

Family Ties: In this introspection, artist-entrepreneur duo, Roger and Paul Ballen and artist-scientist duo Mariapaola and Trevor McGurk, look at how creativity can disrupt the everyday around the dinner table. During this conversation they will be exploring the value of shared knowledge, unlikely intersections and collaborations, and will reflect on some of their most exciting projects impacted by their family ties. This session kicks off the series and will be start promptly at 18:00 on Wednesday, 24 February at the FADA Gallery on the Bunting Road Campus.

The Multi-hyphenator: In this segment entrepreneur, philanthropist, social commentator and community builder, Shaka Sisulu, and multidisciplinary artist, designer and dot-connector, Atang Tshikare, will dissect the intersection of multiple spheres of practice and explore how this can be applied as a physical framework for an alternate way of thinking and approaching creative collaborations, using their surrounding local communities as a resource and muse. The talk will be hosted from 18:00 at FADA Gallery on the Bunting Road Campus on Wednesday, 2 March.

Creative Spaces: Abstract digital sculptor, designer and electrical engineer, Dr Michaella Janse van Vuuren, and anthropologist, curator, communications guru, and art entrepreneur, Julie Taylor, talk to academic and performing arts expert, Mwenya Kabwe, about how to break down barriers between physical spaces and the virtual world as they take a journey exploring the intersection between diverse ideas, concepts and disciplines. This final pre-conference session is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 9 March and will also be hosted on the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus at the FADA Gallery promptly at 18:00.

Creatives and practitioners are invited to RSVP to attend by no later than three days prior to each session. Entrance is free but space is limited; first come first served. Interested parties can RSVP to conference@act.org.za indicating which session you would like to attend.

The 2016 ACT | UJ Arts & Culture Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 16 and Thursday, 17 March, is titled #creativeintersections. It is an interactive experience and is presented by the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and UJ Arts & Culture in partnership with the Department of Arts & Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Programme, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and SAMRO Foundation with support from the National Arts Council, Nedbank Arts Affinity, Creative Feel Magazine and the British Council’s Connect ZA programme.

For more information, visit www.creativeconference.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.