Metro and art museum launch new studio initiative

The Tshwane metro in collaboration with the Pretoria Art Museum launched eStudios at the museum over the weekend.

eStudios is a content platform with business development for creative entrepreneurs.

The launch on April 6 is set to revolutionise digital content creation for artists.

eStudios, in partnership with the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation, has been a staunch advocate for empowering African communities through digital creativity. It has also collaborated with the WIL Academy and Youth Opportunities South Africa.

The concept began as a research project aimed at understanding the aspirations and challenges of rural and peri-urban youth and has become a movement that is part of shaping the future of content creation in Africa.

A panel discussion was held on the night under the theme “One Africa, One Creative Economy” and featured local panellists, as well as from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Malawi, DRC and Mozambique. There were also poetic and musical performances on the night among others.

Tshwane’s deputy mayor councillor Nasiphi Moya, who was there on the night, believes this is a move that will assist content creators with their craft.

“We foster a sustainable supply chain that benefits communities, the environment and industry. By bridging the gap between local artisans and larger markets, we empower economic growth and promote cultural exchange,” Moya said.

eStudios prides itself on the following factors:

– Authentic stock footage: Recognising the need for original music, video and photography that captures the essence of African culture, heritage and landscape, empowering local content creators to showcase their craft. The platform speaks directly to tourism, arts, culture and heritage agencies, amplifying diverse voices and narratives.

– Business support: Assistance with navigating the business side of the creative industry. eStudios partnered with WIL Academy to offer investor readiness and digital transformation programmes. From concept development to pitch, they provide the necessary tools for creative enterprises to thrive.

– Collaborative projects: eStudios spearheads two impactful initiatives, namely the Climate Change Magazine and an eStore. The magazine leverages storytelling to engage stakeholders from government, business and civil society as well as through video content. The eStore connects local products with national production companies.

“You cannot want to emerge yourself in a system that doesn’t want you and rejects you every time, the question is, in your spaces, what are you doing to create those platforms and make sure you liberate yourself to fulfil your role? All of this is about us having a role in building a better community,” Moya added.

She encouraged the young attendees to use the platform to expand their creativity, access the market and not ask for permission.

“Government is here to help you, not the other way around. Make noise when you are being hindered from doing what you want. Call us as political leaders, invite us to these, we have a responsibility as government to create platforms that will help the community,” Moya said.

Watch here:

My brief contribution to the conversation

PS. Quality not lekker 🫣 https://t.co/vPonrv7g1s pic.twitter.com/MaMhiZgFz0

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) April 6, 2024

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