- Later this month the 10th edition of the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival will take place.
- The event will look to focus on AI ethics, digital art, hackathons, gaming, and more.
- This year organises are asking people to join, “in shaping the future of African digital creativity, because from now on, the possibilities are limitless.”
Later this month, 26th September to be more precise, the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival will be taking place in Johannesburg, with the event that has become a fixture in recent years also celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Along with celebrating a decade of existence, this year’s event will also be focusing on a number of different trends under the theme of #MoreFlow.
In the lead up to the event, organisers for the Festival have unpacked some of the topics that will be discussed, as well as some of the workshops that people will be able to get involved with.
“In this digital age, Fak’ugesi has played a pivotal role in nurturing the creative talents of Africa’s youth. As we step into our 10th year, we’re thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the possibilities that lie ahead,” enthused Eduardo Cachucho, the Festival’s creative director.
“The 2023 Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival marks a decade of igniting creativity and innovation on the continent. As the premier platform for emerging talents, Fak’ugesi brings together visionaries, thought leaders, and enthusiasts to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. Through a blend of immersive experiences, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, the festival sets the stage for a new era of digital ingenuity in Africa,” it added in a press release sent to Hypertext.
One of the areas that the Festival, which is running until 1st October, will be focusing on is the role that artificial intelligence will be playing in the coming months and years. As we have seen throughout 2023 to date, the obsession with AI brings with it several opportunities and concerns alike, especially when it comes to the ethical practices related to the pervasive technology.
“Noteworthy collaborations include AI showcases featuring AI-generated elements with the Goethe Institut’s leading figures involved in the global project ‘AI to Amplify’ as well as a collaboration with Dr. Sechaba Maape, one of the curators for this year’s Venice Architecture Biennial representing South Africa,” Festival organisers highlighted.
“In an era where AI is poised to reshape industries and interactions, Fak’ugesi positions itself in ensuring that future developments align with African principles, cultural values, and social considerations. The festival’s showcases and discussions explore the dynamic interplay between AI and human creativity while fostering conversations that centre around the responsible and inclusive deployment of AI solutions,” it continued.
While AI is a recent addition to the agenda, the ususal areas and themes that Fak’ugesi is known for will also be present.
Here organisers explain that content around immersive realities, gaming, music, animation, and digital art will feature heavily, along with awards for, “outstanding achievements in digital creativity, bestowing recipients with prizes and prospects within our initiatives, whether they entail acceleration or exhibition opportunities in collaboration with our partners and expansive global network.”
“Fak’ugesi has always been a beacon for emerging African creatives in the digital sphere and we look forward to this milestone event. As we celebrate our 10th year, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Join us in shaping the future of African digital creativity, because from now on, the possibilities are limitless,” concluded Cachucho.
To find out more about the Festival, as well as purchase tickets, head here.
