Baz-Art’s annual flagship event – the International Public Art Festival (IPAF) – has positioned itself as a leading global festival. The 7th edition of Africa’s largest public art festival will also again be accompanied by a parallel conference event.

The 2nd edition of the International Public Art Conference (IPAC) will be taking place 2 – 4 March 2023 at the Gallery @ 6 Spin Street, Cape Town.

IPAC 2023 is motivated to be a hub of knowledge and skills sharing to enhance the practise of public art making and effectively strengthen the creative economy as a whole. This year’s programme features an array of selected local and international experts. IPAC has also added a research incubator component which will be shared through a public art journal post-event.

IPAC 2023’s programme offers an array of presentations, roundtable discussions and even a few masterclasses. 

For the full programme, continue reading !

Thursday 2 March:

10:00 – 10:30 Opening speeches

10:30 – 11:30 

Public Art as a strategy for city growth

A roundtable discussion with Bjorn van Poucke (The Crystal Ship), Warren Houtaeve (Oostende Tourism Department) and Robin Jutzen (City of Cape Town). Moderator: Dr. Cecil Madell (UCT)

In celebrating Baz-Art’s new 3-year partnership with the Embassy of Flanders, Belgium, we will launch the conference by discussing the impact that public art can have within society. Oostende boasts one of Europe’s oldest public art festivals – The Crystal Ship – an annual public art celebration that takes place in the coastal town of Oostende, Belgium. IPAC 2023 welcomes the curator of The Crystal Ship, Bjorn van Poucke, and lead organiser Warren Houtaeve  to discuss the impact of public art and how it can be strategically utilised to support thriving communities. Bjorn van Poucke is a renowned author and international public art curator. Warren Houtaeve is the Event Manager of Oostende’s Tourism Department of which The Crystal Ship forms part of his portfolio. This discussion is further enriched by the local expertise of Robin Jutzen who is the manager of arts and culture at the City of Cape Town. The session will be moderated by Dr. Cecil Madell who lectures at the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics at the University of Cape Town.

12:00 – 13:30

Why does South Africa need art? Considering market strategies for the growth of the creative economy.

A roundtable discussion with Bielle Bellingham (Decorex), Urs May (Swiss business expert), Mpumelelo Ngewu (Publicis Worldwide). Moderator: Alexandre Tilmans (Baz-Art)

There is a clear argument to be made that South Africa’s creative economy should be part of any high-value growth strategy. There is evidence of potential expansion in the industry and globally robust growth in demand. The creative economy has the potential to assist in realising the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). In 2020, South Africa’s creative economy contributed 2.97% of the country’s overall GDP with an estimated gross value added (GVA) of R121 billion; evidently making the Creative and Cultural Industry (CCIs) approximately the same size as agriculture.

On a global scale it is estimated that in 2010, the CCIs generated roughly US$2.25 trillion– accounting for 3% of the global GDP. The creative economy’s contribution to global GDP is forecasted to grow to 10% by 2030. Currently, CCIs employ around 30 million people worldwide. There is therefore no refusing the power of CCIs and the creative economy as a viable mechanism for economic growth within South Africa. The question now stands on how to use this potential of economic growth to ensure it is done in an inclusive manner that is applicable to South Africa’s creative industries.

14:00 – 15:00

Smart art: Know the fine print

In discussion with lawyer Eitan Stern (Legalese) on artists rights in Africa.  

This session will feature the co-founder of Lawyers for the Arts South Africa (LASA), Tendaiishe Chitima, where she  will discuss the nature of South Africa’s legal landscape that creatives need to navigate. Topics that will be explored in this session include Intellectual Property (IP), copyright, and contractual issues often confronted in the sector, as well as the current state of the legal frameworks in the arts and how they need to be improved to support a growing creative economy.

15:30 – 16:30

What goes bump in the night: The importance of the night time economy

A roundtable discussion with Tasso Evangelinos (CCID), Kate Douglas Hurt (Douglas Property Valuations), Professor Francois Viruly (UCT), and Sascha Polkey (Rabbit in a hat communications)

The night-time economy (NTE) has been gaining importance for increasing a city’s aesthetic and cultural offerings, employment opportunities, and economic dynamism. The NTE poses many opportunities to improve inclusivity, diversity, and livability within society. In making the NTE a viable tool for economic and social development, numerous challenges need to be addressed. Some of these include the various obstacles posed by urban regeneration; finding ways for NTE to encompass sectoral activities other than just leisure and alcohol-related pastimes; effectively responding to what the gig economy needs to thrive; and having an emphasis on problem-driven solutions from both private and public partners. 

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Friday 3 March

10:00- 11:30

Entrepreneurship for creatives: In discussion with some of Africa’s finest

A roundtable discussion with Dr. Nobulali Dangazele (UK/ SA), Zethu Gqola (Platoon), Tendaiishe Chitima (actress), Hagar Graiser (Platoon) and Melissa Cucci (Baz-Art).

The world has started taking a great interest in all forms of art from Africa. Artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid were listed as some of Spotify’s most streamed Nigerian artists in 2022. The UK hosted its second Amapiano Festival, which drew over 5000 people. Collaborations among African and international artists have been on the rise, which begs the question of how artists can prepare themselves for this rising interest in Africa.

This seminar responds to just that. Join Dr. NobuLali as she investigates case studies and business models that have benefited artists who have dared to grow their craft, as well as the business models that have enabled that growth. During the seminar, we will explore the following three themes: First, consider how to develop a strong and distinct artistic style that will appeal to and engage audiences. Secondly, strategies for innovative and disruptive marketing and promotion will be explored for optimal audience development. Lastly, authentic networking and collaboration will be explored to build networks and connections with other creatives and industry professionals.

Be sure not to miss this opportunity to learn from internationally renowned creatives!

12:00 – 13:00

In Conversation with featured IPAF 2023 artists

An art-focussed discussion led by Bjorn van Poucke (The Crystal Ship) 

Public art uses various methods that bring people and communities together creating possibilities for humans to engage with their surroundings. There are various methods that can be used and elaborated upon when using art to create positive social change, one of them being sensitivity to the specific cultural context in which the art or project is implemented. The theme for the 7th edition of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF) is ‘What If?’. IPAF 2023 is motivated by the theme of “What If?”  to inspire new imaginaries for what our society could be like, to open new conversations between artists and the public to think about the kind of society we can create, and to generate new opportunities to make that society a reality. This session will feature a selection of some of the featured IPAF 2023 artists discussing their creative process and what they deem important when creating public art.

14:00 – 15:30 

Celebrating Heritage through Art

A roundtable discussion with Ben Mwasinga (SAHRA), Paul Myson (FRSA, FIFAAAA, ISA) and Sarah Haines (National Heritage Project Company).

Heritage helps shape our identity, and the expression of this identity indicates to others our values and priorities. By examining our history and traditions, we develop an acute awareness of ourselves. Closely aligning with Baz-Art’s core belief that ART SPEAKS LOUDER, this session will explore unique ways of celebrating heritage through artmaking. A flagship exhibition that will be explored in discussion, among others, is the iconic Long Walk to Freedom Bronze Sculpture Park. This session will be chaired by heritage expert Sarah Haines (Director of the National Heritage Project Company).

16:00 – 17:00

In conversation with JonOne

An artist presentation by the internationally acclaimed graffiti artist, JonOne.

JonOne’s work is recognised as a pioneer of the graffiti movement, he is one of the most requested and highly rated graffiti artists in the world. Since the 2010s, he is among the top 10 graffiti artists in the world.This talk will be a conversation with this world renowned artist and his gallerist, Guillaume Studer.

JonOne (John Andrew Perello) was born in New York in 1963. He is a self-taught artist who honed his art since the age of 17 in the streets of Harlem. He later turned to painting on canvas producing works influenced by hip hop, street life, and modern painting techniques. His innovative, abstract  style can be summarised as capturing the movement, color and the energy of the city. Join this talk if you want to set your creativity free. 

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Saturday 4 March

10:00 – 11:30

Business Acumen: A Masterclass for Established Creatives

An innovative business workshop on how creatives can leverage their talent and network to be positioned on an international platform.

This session entails an innovative and interactive master class presented by Dr. NobuLali Dangazele, guiding some of Apple’s leading African artists. Come watch this masterclass to learn from Africa’s leading artists on how creatives can use business acumen and teachings from entrepreneurship to further their own practice and position themselves among the global industry’s main players while addressing challenges and opportunities unique to the African music industry.

Led by industry expert Dr NobuLali Nagazele, this business masterclass will be tailored to the specific needs of the participants and provide a mix of informative presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. It has been designed to help artists develop the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed in their careers. Topics to be covered include the state of the African music market and the trends, opportunities, and challenges that need to be navigated for success, as well as the importance of collaboration and partnerships that can help promote and support African music.

 12:00 – 13:00 

Public Artmaking with Aches

A public art masterclass by world renowned Irish artist, Aches.

Aches is a Dublin-based Irish artist who specializes in large-scale murals and graffiti. Born in 1992, he started drawing and painting at a young age and began to paint graffiti when he was 15 years old. His original installations can be seen around the world, in countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, England, and the USA. South Africa has been added to this list during the 7th edition of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF).

This session is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from this world renowned public artist as he speaks on merging contemporary murals and studio work, how he engages with the community in which he creates his installations, and where he finds inspiration.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARALLEL EVENT INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC ART FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING VISIT HERE