26/08/2025
Southern Africa Producers & Artistic Directors Conference to be hosted at the Market Theatre
Date: 5-7 September 2025
Venue: Market Theatre, Johannesburg
Host: Alex Theatre Company & Academy in partnership with Projects R and The Market Theatre Foundation supported by National Arts Council and Gauteng Department of Sports Arts culture and Recreation
“Unlocking Economic Growth in Southern Africa’s Creative Industry – A Producers and Artistic Directors’ Perspective”
The Southern Africa Producers & Artistic Directors Conference will take place at the iconic Market Theatre in Johannesburg, bringing together leading creative industry visionaries from across the SADC region and all nine provinces of South Africa.
The conference, hosted by Alex Theatre Company & Academy in partnership with with Project R and The Market Theatre Foundation, is designed to serve as a high-level platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the performing arts. With its adopted theme, “Unlocking Economic Growth in Southern Africa’s Creative Industry – A Producers and Artistic Directors’ Perspective”, the event will explore how the region’s creative leaders can contribute to sustainable economic development.
This conference has drawn an overwhelming response from both regional and national delegates. Due to budget constraints, representation from the SADC region has been streamlined to one delegate per country, ensuring equitable participation while maximising the impact of discussions. All nine South African provinces will also be represented by influential producers and artistic directors
The conference will feature:
Keynote Addresses by Mr Daves Ghuzha theatre in the park Zimbabwe, Mr Gregg Homann Market theatre, Mr Kevin Kahuro Kenya National Theatre,Napo Masheane and mehlo-maya director Bobby Rodwell.
Panel Discussions on funding, audience development, cultural policy, and cross-border collaboration.
The Conference is facilitated by Mr Ismail Mohamed ( UKZN- Centre for Creative Arts)
Networking Sessions to foster partnerships and co-productions across the region.
Why This Conference Matters
Southern Africa’s creative industries hold enormous potential to drive economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and expand the region’s cultural footprint internationally. However, fragmented networks, inconsistent funding models, and limited cross-border cooperation have hindered the sector’s growth.
This conference aims to break down these barriers by creating a unified platform where producers and artistic directors can collectively shape strategies, advocate for supportive policies, and mobilise resources for the advancement of the arts.
“The Southern Africa Producers and Artistic Directors Conference is more than a gathering — it’s the beginning of a collaborative movement. We are bringing together leaders who can influence real change, and together, we will unlock the creative sector’s full potential for economic and cultural growth,” says Mpho Molepo, Project Manager and Artistic Director of Alex Theatre Company & Academy.
Media Contact:
Raps Raphadu
Project Coordinator Email - [email protected]
Phone- 0606009456
