Festivals as Future Cities

Festivals often begin momentary spaces of gathering and celebration, yet over time they leave lasting impressions on the towns and cities that host them. This session explores how events such as the National Arts Festival, Mahika Mahikeng, Mapungubwe, and Woordfees extend their influence beyond the stage, shaping how people meet, trade, learn, and imagine shared futures. Drawing on insights into their economic, environmental, and social reach, speakers reflect on what remains once the music fades: evolving habits of participation, renewed connections to place, and the quiet transformation of local life. Seen through these lenses, festivals emerge as living blueprints for how communities transform themselves over time.

Moderator: Jen Snowball — Professor of Economics, Rhodes University, South Africa

James Drummond — Senior Lecturer, Geography Department, North West University, South Africa

Dr Laura Nkula-Wenz —  Lead, African Literary Cities Project, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Cornelia Faasen —  CEO Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), South Africa

Nosipho Hlatshwayo — CEO, SA Cities Network, South Africa