Launch of Création Africa, the cultural and creative industries’ first forum (29 september 2023)

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From 6 to 8 October 2023, Création Africa, the first forum of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) dedicated to the production and dissemination of emerging artistic creativity, is being held at the Gaîté Lyrique theatre and the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) in Paris. It is an innovative initiative aimed at highlighting creatives who have emerged from rapidly developing sectors in TV series, film animation, immersive universes (video games, the metaverse and XR) and publishing (comic books).

An event prefiguring MansA, the future Maison des Mondes Africains, the Création Africa forum is designed as a platform for encounters, sharing expertise and showcasing talent. It is part of an innovative approach that seeks to redefine perspectives and recognize the interconnected destinies of Europe and Africa. This vision – initiated by the Africa2020 Season and promoted by nearly 1,000 partners in France and across the whole African continent, and by the New Africa-France Summit held in Montpellier two years ago – is continuing its path with Création Africa.

The first fair of its kind in Europe, Création Africa is set to become a long-term fixture; the forum will be held alternately in France and on the African continent so as to become the go-to meeting for creatives.

Organized with the support of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), Business France, the Public Investment Bank (Bpifrance) and the Institut français, this first forum will provide an opportunity for more than 600 professionals of various nationalities – artists/creatives, producers, distributors and captains of industry – to meet and talk about production issues and sectors and consider new ways of collaborating with French and other European entrepreneurs.

One day for professionals, two days for the general public

The first day, Friday 6 October, will be entirely devoted to professionals and was devised with a view to developing the market. A platform for setting up meetings, produced by Business France, and the provision of spaces reserved for professionals and partners at the Gaîté Lyrique theatre will provide a framework conducive to networking between entrepreneurs and African and French creatives.

the latest trends in these flourishing creative worlds, identified by the curatorial team led by Michael Swierczynski and Karine Lagrange (XR consultants), Joëlle Épée Mandengue (Bilili BD Festival), Sidick Bakayoko (Paradise Game), Séraphine Angoula (Dakar Séries) and Gobelins Paris.

In particular, there will be many highlights at the forum:

  • Preview of Spinners, a South African series promoted by StudioCanal;
  • Big-screen premiere of the animation series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, 10 short animation films devised by African artists;
  • Special programmes focused on virtual reality;
  • Presentation of works produced specifically for the forum.

A press pack is available on request, introducing the full programme in greater detail.

Time for reflection

On 7 October, the event’s partner Cnam, in collaboration with the Institut français, will also host on its premises a series of discussions and debates on the challenges of the CCI sector, for the general public and creatives, entrepreneurs and experts. It is a day for taking a step back, fostering discussions and thus encouraging tomorrow’s ideas and creative links.

See the full programme of the forum here:
https://forumcreationafrica.culture.gouv.fr/