PACE 2018
6-9 July 2018
The inaugural Pan-African Creative Exchange took place in Bloemfontein in 2018, establishing a new meeting point for interdisciplinary performing arts showcasing, networking and critical discourse on the African continent. Hosted across venues at the University of the Free State, the four-day programme brought together artists, companies, presenters and arts professionals from Africa and beyond.
More than 30 productions and presentations represented countries including Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The curated programme also highlighted work from Lagos and Johannesburg, drawing attention to the distinct creative voices emerging from these two cities.
Centred on the theme of mobility in, with and from Africa, PACE 2018 presented theatre, puppetry, dance, music, spoken word and digitally mediated work. The programme engaged with subjects ranging from social change and global culture to love, identity, mental health and disability, while creating space for artists and arts professionals to meet, exchange ideas and develop new connections.
The first PACE was made possible through the commitment of its founding directors, Nike Jonah, Erwin Maas, Ricardo Peach and Isobel Hawson, together with the University of the Free State and the many artists, delegates and team members involved. Particular recognition is given to the National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative (NATi), whose early support as founding sponsor helped bring the vision for a Pan-African interdisciplinary performing arts market to life.
PACE Strands
TOUR READY
The work is up to a 60-minute extract by professional artists and companies. Tour-Ready means that as a company/artist, you have experience of touring and have a product that is artistically and technically ready to share with promoters and which will be prepared to tour. Find out more here.
WORK IN PROGRESS
The presentation is up to a 45-minute original piece at a critical stage in its development (Work in Progress means that you as a company/artist have a product in development that is thought through and artistically is ready to share. Although in the initial stages and may need further development, your work is something you are committed to taking on further). View the work in progress here.
PITCHING SESSIONS
In these sessions, artists pitch ideas, platforms, concepts and works that can be in an early stage of development, work-in-progress, or tour-ready. View the pitching sessions here.
SPEED NETWORKING
Similar to Pitching sessions, artists have the opportunity to pitch in more informal and intimate settings. View the speed networking sessions here.
OTHER ENGAGEMENTS
WORKSHOPS & CONVERSATIONS
Events for delegates include discussions, workshops, networking sessions and morning meetings. Take a look at the sessions here.
ONLINE
Up to 60-minute extracts or complete professional works by artists and companies are accessible online on the PACE website. View the online sessions.
