Creative Business Studio, a programme for African visual storytellers and creative organisations, returns for its third cohort, scheduled to run from September 23 to October 31, the organisers have announced.
The six-week virtual programme is curated by Unpublished Africa, a social impact platform dedicated to supporting emerging African visual storytellers.
The creative platform seeks to support artists and other creatives to professionalise their expertise. Through the Creative Business Studio, it provides essential tools and knowledge to photographers who are looking to build sustainable businesses.
According to a statement released earlier this week, participants will have the opportunity to improve their creative businesses with the support of industry experts, business strategists and programme mentors. Creatives in the programme can expect to get expert mentorship where business and creative industry professionals will share their expertise and provide guidance.
Besides encouraging networking opportunities that allow creatives to connect, collaborate and share ideas, the programme will provide hands-on learning where participants will engage in practical exercises and projects to apply their knowledge.
Through the first and second cohorts, creatives from nine African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been able to learn how to improve their creative businesses and set a foundation for themselves to access more opportunities.
The programme culminates in a publication titled Africa Published, which is exclusive to participants and collaborators, previous cohorts contributed work that showcased their interpretation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The third cohort is open to African photographers and visual storytellers over the age of 18 who are looking to improve their creative business in an African context. The registration deadline for the programme closes today and interested photographers and creative organisations can apply by visiting https://airtable.com/appa62Q68ob5Gueda/shrvqXjNULXOQ6fmT.
Unpublished Africa is the brainchild of local brand strategist and content marketer Anesu Chikumba. She told IndependentXtra that they are committed to fostering a supportive community where creatives can connect, collaborate and thrive and encouraged aspiring African photographers to take advantage of the programme.
“As the founder of Unpublished Africa, I am incredibly excited to announce the launch of our third Creative Business Studio cohort. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact this programme has had on the careers of emerging African photographers. By providing them with the essential business workshops and mentorship, we empower them to start thinking like creative entrepreneurs and not just creatives,” Chikumba said.
Unpublished Africa collaborates with storytellers to find new and creative ways of uncovering and telling the African story while providing a space for like-minded creatives to build a community that encourages collaboration, curiosity and confidence. It is committed to fostering the growth and development of photographers in Africa. Through its various programmes and initiatives, the organisation provides opportunities for creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and contribute to the visual storytelling landscape.