Our first monthly live creative networking sessions were held last month at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein saw our panel trying to answer the question, ‘Does Creativity Pay The Bills?’.  The panel included Smiso ‘OkMalumKoolKat’ Zwane of Dirty Paraffin, Khaya ‘Bhubesii’ Sibiya, Thabiso ‘Afurakan’ Mohare,  Chipo Mapondera and Henrike Groeths. These creative networking sessions will be held every month for the next six months. The following are some of the lessons that came out of this session:

-There’s nothing wrong with starting from the bottom- just don’t stay there for too long

-You need to be highly active in the industry you’re interested in so you can be able to have a body of work to show people

-When approaching organisations for funding, it is important to do your research, be professional and have a well-written pitch

-Time is just as valuable a commodity as money is, start giving your time even if you’re not getting paid

-Work with people who share the same ideas or dreams as you

-Have a body of work ready like a portfolio or blog so you can show people who are able to assist you

-You need to take care of the business side as well in order to make a living out of your creativity

-It is possible to follow your creative dream despite not having studied towards it

-Stay true to your dreams even if it means getting that not-so-fancy part time job while you pursue what you really want

-Nothing is considered a waste of time, every hustle is valuable and the only way time is wasted is when you’re doing nothing.

The monthly Live Creative Sessions are a platform for up-and-coming creatives to engage with established industry professionals and arts practitioners, receive creative and career advice as well as build relationships with these professionals. They are brought to you by the British Council in partnership with Live Magazine. Read more about our second session – Too many musos and not enough musicians.

Supported by

http://www.britishcouncil.org/africa