South Africa, 24 November 2020: LEVEL UP, the country’s first-ever WhatsApp conference is set to take place from 30 November to 6 December 2020 and artists from across the country are invited to attend.
The event will span 7 days and aims to stimulate growth within the creative community with sessions on Artistic Merchandising, Financial Planning for Creatives, Adapting Art for Brands and Planning Social Media Content.
Hosted by THAT Network, a social enterprise that bridges the gap between the creative community and clients, LEVEL UP boasts a line-up of guest speakers and presenters that have each built impressive artistic careers in their own right. These include Mzansi’s very own superstar violinist, Davina Mae Gordon, who will be hosting a session titled ‘Instagram Famous’, talking about how social media and content creation has helped elevate her career as a musician. Celebrity photographer Rizqua Barnes will share her lessons on working with corporates and Dav Andrew, renowned viral illustrator and cartoonist will shed light on his experience of having his art stolen and used for commercial purposes without his permission.
The conference is powered by the Department of Sport, Art and Culture, and will take place on WhatsApp entirely, making it easy for people to attend from anywhere and giving them the ability to refer back to the information shared at any time.
“We chose WhatsApp as a platform because our aim as an organisation is to use art and the creative industries to facilitate financial opportunities for young South Africans, and we can’t do that if our interventions are exclusive. WhatsApp is data-light, and one of the most accessible platforms in our country.” says Shakirah Dramat, Managing Director of THAT Network.
Conference attendees can also expect advice on how to manage time to achieve goals, hosted by content creator, Dhanusha Dhoorgalu, tips on approaching collaborations with other artists, hosted by Studio Next Door founder and esteemed producer, Inyambo Imenda, and practical steps on how to charge for your services hosted by artist and designer, Faatimah Luke whose work has been sold at some of the country’s biggest retailers. Other artists on the bill include Amy Ayanda, musician and painter, Brad Abrahams, the visionary behind the streetwear brand TwoBop, Drum & Bass DJ Debbi Potgieter, Goddess Calendar owner, Nadine Williams and finally, Kashiefa Parker, founder of Financial Fitness for Women.
Those interested in attending any of the sessions simply need to WhatsApp on 064 572 6455 with their name and #LevelUp. For more information, you can follow THAT Network on social media at @THAT_networkZA.
