BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS– As technology continues to reshape the global creative landscape, the road to the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival begins with a forward-looking conversation on artificial intelligence and its role in the arts.
Organisers have unveiled the first phase of the 2026 Arts Round Table (ART) series, launching with an online workshop scheduled for March 12, 2026. The session will bring together leading voices from the technology and creative industries to explore how artificial intelligence can drive innovation within the sector.
The workshop will feature a panel of international experts, including José Rego, Chief Executive Officer of Ummo Inc.; Florian von Hoyer, Chief Commercial Officer at AIxchange; and Eda Iskeceli, Marketing Manager at Paradise Worldwide.
Together, the panelists bring expertise in technology entrepreneurship, independent music strategy and digital marketing, offering valuable perspectives on the evolving relationship between creativity and technology.
Held in partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), the session titled “Driving Innovation: Embracing AI in the Creative Industry” aims to help African creatives better understand artificial intelligence and its potential impact on artistic work.
The discussion will explore how AI can be used responsibly to enhance creativity, while also addressing concerns around the ethical use of the technology. Particular attention will be given to protecting artists from unauthorized or exploitative uses of AI in creative production.
The workshop forms part of a two-part digital programme designed to prepare artists and industry professionals ahead of the main in-person Arts Round Table event at the House On Fire on May 29, 2026.
Following the AI-focused session, a second workshop titled “Developing Independence” will take place on April 16, 2026. This session will focus on management, booking strategies and career sustainability for independent artists.
The collaboration between ARMC and the MTN Bushfire Festival creates a strategic connection between two major creative gatherings in the region. The initiative links the conference in Johannesburg, scheduled for May 22–23, with the festival in Eswatini from May 29–31.
This partnership aims to strengthen knowledge exchange, improve artist mobility and connect Eswatini’s growing creative sector with international industry professionals.
Although applications for the AI workshop have closed, successful participants will receive direct Zoom links to join the session scheduled for 3:00 PM (CAT).
Organisers have encouraged creatives to stay alert for upcoming registration opportunities for the April and May sessions to ensure they benefit from the peer-learning and networking opportunities offered through the Arts Round Table programme.
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(Courtesy Pic)
