Afrotellers Conference 2024
Concept Note
Introduction
The 1st Annual Afrotellers Conference is set to be hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa from the 24th to the 26th of October 2024. The conference will be held under the theme “Beyond borders: Mapping new frontiers for Afrikan narratives” and will provide space for critical conversation on Afrikan storytelling. It will explore and seek to answer questions about the appreciation, preservation, promotion, and protection of Afrikan stories and offer alternatives on reclaiming and reshaping Afrikan narratives.
It is evident that there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Afrikan narratives in shaping global perspectives. With its rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and perspectives, Afrikan storytelling holds immense potential to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding. However, despite this wealth of storytelling heritage, Afrikan voices are often misrepresented and/or underrepresented in mainstream media and discourse and harmful stereotypes continue to be perpetuated.
The conference will therefore provide a platform for dialogue, learning, knowledge sharing, collaboration and new insights that will feed into ongoing regional conversations and research that are mapping new frontiers for Afrikan storytelling and narratives.
The inaugural Afrotellers Conference is co-hosted by Thrive Afrika and the Wits University School of Arts,Cultural Policy and Management (CMP) department.
Background
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Afrikan narratives in shaping global perspectives. Afrikan storytelling, with its rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and perspectives, holds immense potential to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding. However, despite this wealth of storytelling heritage, Afrikan voices are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media and discourse.
The ‘How Afrikan Media Covers Afrika’ report, released in 2021, by Africa No Filter and Fray College reveals that “Three strong narratives were present in all the storytelling that the West sees about the continent; that Afrika is broken, that Afrika is dependent on others to help it, and that Afrikans lack agency and are unable or uninterested in fixing the ‘broken’ continent that they live on”.It also found out that ‘63 percent of news outlets don’t have outlets in Afrika’; ‘AFP, BBC, and Reuters account for a quarter of all stories on Afrika’; and ‘Stories that Afrikans hear about each other are largely dictated by non-Afrikans’.
Storytelling holds great significance for both Afrikan nonprofits and corporate brands, serving as a powerful tool for driving impact, fostering connections, and shaping perceptions. For nonprofits, storytelling serves as a conduit for conveying the mission, values, and impact of their work in a transformative and relatable manner. By weaving together narratives that highlight people's potentials, aspirations and challenges, of the communities they serve; nonprofits have the ability to shape new narratives or perpetuate narratives.
For corporate brands operating in Afrika, storytelling offers a means to authentically engage with diverse audiences, build meaningful and impactful connections, and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and cultural sensitivity. By shifting how they tell Afrikan stories—moving away from stereotypes and paternalistic narratives—they can amplify authentic voices, celebrate cultural richness, and contribute to a more inclusive and empowering narrative landscape that honors the nuances, and dynamism of Afrikan societies. build the Afrika we want.
Why we need to tell Afrikan stories better?
Afrikan stories are as diverse and complex as the continent itself, yet they are often reduced to simplistic or stereotypical portrayals in mainstream media. This misrepresentation not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also limits the understanding of Afrikan cultures, histories, and realities. By telling Afrikan stories better, we can position our brands better, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced global discourse.
For centuries the West has understood that to control the narrative was to control history, and to control history was to shape perception. It also learned that if storytelling could sell ideologies, it could also peddle goods and services. We live in the Age of Story. Every brand, every political manifesto, is built on a narrative architecture. Now Africa is reclaiming its own stories, and harnessing generations of storytelling craft to reconfigure the ways in which it is represented and perceived.
-Ras Mutabaruka
About the Conference
Theme and Objectives
The theme for the inaugural Afrotellers Conference is “Beyond borders: Mapping new frontiers of Afrikan narratives”. The conference theme and aims will be realised and guided by these three key objectives:
Objective 1: Facilitating Afrikan storytelling beyond colonial and sector borders and divides.
How do we chart a course towards a future where Afrikan storytelling truly transcends borders, fosters connection and collaboration, and catalyzes positive change across Afrika and beyond?
Objective 2: Mapping new frontiers for Afrikan storytelling through reclaiming Afrikan narratives and challenging conventional boundaries.
How do we ignite a paradigm shift in Afrikan storytelling by emboldening Afrikan storytellers to challenge conventional boundaries and reimagine the narrative landscape of the continent?
Objective 3: Promoting Afrikan voices and narratives through the celebration of culture, heritage, and excellence.
How can consistently and purposefully spotlighting, experiencing, and promoting Afrikan arts, narratives, culture, traditions, and voices spark a fresh appreciation for authentic and ethical Afrikan storytelling?
Programme
Afrotellers 2024 will feature the following:
Main Conference
The Conference will run for 3 days, giving delegates ample opportunities for learning, networking, and knowledge sharing. Delegates will engage through panel discussions, workshops and dialogues and listen to keynote addresses and fireside chats. Outcomes of this conference will contribute to the broader conversations on reclaiming and reshaping Afrikan narratives and facilitate cross-border collaborations.
Dinner and Awards
The Afrotellers Awards will celebrate and honour Afrikan storytellers who have paved the way for others and those that are breaking boundaries and are on the cutting edge of innovation. Nominations will be made by leading storytelling organisations across Afrika and the Awards Committee, made up of representatives from partner organisations and Advisors, will select the winners during the Closing Gala Dinner.
Networking and Entertainment
Specially curated, multi-disciplinary exhibitions, film screenings, theatre productions, and music and poetry shows will be hosted at various locations across Johannesburg. Delegates will get an opportunity to network and connect while enjoying the best of Afrikan creative arts and engaging conversations with creatives.
Cultural Immersion
Johannesburg is home to some of the continent’s most iconic places - from the world-famous Vilakazi Street and Twin Towers in Soweto to the creative energy of Maboneng precinct. Conference attendees will go on a guided tour of the city, exploring and celebrating the rich culture, food, music and energy of Johannesburg. Experiences will include: Culinary, Street, Storytelling Walks, site visits to Soweto, and Maboneng + much more
Venue
Afrotellers 2024 will be a multi-site conference with Wits University serving as the central conference venue. Other venues will include Art Galleries, Museums, and Theatres across Johannesburg. Delegates will have access to shuttles that will transport them from one venue to the other throughout the conference.
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