Part of the Project
One of the best careers you can have is one where you are your own boss, especially if you can utilise your creative flair. The Emerging Creatives Programme, presented by Design Indaba and the Department of Arts and Culture, provides support, education and mentoring for South Africa’s future designers so you get the support you need to start your own creative empire. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has helped launch the careers of some of the most celebrated and vibrant young designers in South Africa. Now it’s your turn to step into the spotlight and start building your creative business.
The Emerging Creatives programme is a developmental platform for young creatives who have relatively little industry exposure. Design Indaba established the Emerging Creatives programme in 2005 because of a strong belief in nurturing this new creative talent and knocking down the barriers to entry for those just getting started. Going on 10 years, and with the fundamental changes in the media landscape and the local design industry, we have endeavoured to make the programme even more relevant in the South African context. Architects, fashion designers, illustrators, furniture designers or jewellers – all sectors are welcome and participants are selected based on the quality and originality of their work and its ability to stand alongside world-class designs.
The whole programme was life changing – Thula Sizwe, Emerging Creative 2015
The programme provides the opportunity to be inspired by the best designers in the world and the selected participants will get to meet leaders in the local and international design industry. Their work will be showcased to retail buyers and media from around the world. A year-long programme of support, mentorship and guidance in how to manage and grow small businesses will run alongside the opportunity to show their creative work in travelling exhibitions in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Applications are open to students in a creative faculty at a tertiary institution in South Africa and young designers in the process of establishing a design service or business. Applicants must be South African or have residency status to qualify.
Find out more about some of our Emerging Creatives alumni and what they have been up to since launching their careers.
Apply for the Emerging Creatives Programme 2016 here.
