The event, which is the newest addition of activities under Makgabaneng group, will bring together various creative industries to network, share knowledge and acquire skills necessary to help them to grow their businesses for the local and international market.
As such, the organisers of the event held an event dubbed the Appetiser recently at Thapong Visual Arts Centre meant to give patrons and stakeholders a sneak preview of what is to come during the main festival.
Attendants were treated to performances by artists such as Lokile Bw, Dr Vom, DJ La Timmy as well as a contemporary dance performance by Atsile Tlhabano. Local designers were also afforded an opportunity to showcase their latest offerings much to the appreciation of the patrons.
The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), who are one of the main stakeholders in the creative sector also gave a brief presentation on their mandate.
Giving a brief of the event and its objectives, Makgabaneng Project manager Tony Buru said the festival is meant to create an understanding of the creative industry as a diversifying tool for economic development and also develop the industry by unearthing and nurturing talents, ignite interest for the development of the industry as a whole, to reach international standards.
He also said it will celebrate and showcase all facets of the industry in Botswana and beyond and stamp the authenticity on local products showcasing their ethos and culture within their creativity.
He said MICAF is meant to help the creative industry with access to funding platforms and funding opportunities and assist the creative industry understand the importance of product digitalisation marketing.
He added that this would also emphasise the importance of NGOs/Cooperates and Creative Industry Collaboration. According to the event organisers, the festival will start with a launch, panel discussion to unpack the theme of the day and address creative industry issues on August 5. On the same day, there will be Master Classes by Lusanda Mbane from South Africa.
On the following day, there will be what is called a Boutique Music Festival featuring local artists, DJ La Timmy, Vee Mampeezy, Dr Vom, Ditiro Leero, Scavenja and many others.
From the international shores, the festival will feature artists such as Master KG and Pabi Cooper. The festival starts at 2pm until 6am the following morning. “But it would be preceded by the panel discussion on issues of copyrights and intellectual property,” explained Makgabaneng’s Palo Mosomodi. Women in Business and Closing Gala Dinner will then follow the Boutique Music Festival.
The organisers said the dinner is for the purpose of networking in a relaxed way and talk issues pertaining to the industry with a bit of jazzy music to spice up the whole event.
For the Boutique Music Festival, standard ticket sell at P150 while the VIP one costs P750 (inclusive of complementary bottle at the event). For the Master Classes, the ticket costs P300 with a valid student ID card (for tertiary students). MICAF will be held under the theme, ‘The Creative Space as a Business, Understanding and Monetising Your Craft’.
