Open call: MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table 2026

23 Feb 2026 - 10:03

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

MTN Bushfire, in partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), has opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Arts Round Table (ART). The programme targets artists and creative industry professionals seeking capacity-building opportunities ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival.

The application deadline is 17 April.

Programme overview

The ART programme consists of two online sessions and one in-person workshop:

12 March 2026 (Online): Embracing AI in the Creative Industry
Applications close: 5 March.
16 April 2026 (Online): Developing Independence
Applications close: 2 April.
29 May 2026 (In-person): MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table
Venue: House On Fire, eSwatini
Applications close: 17 April.

Purpose of the online sessions

The online sessions are designed to prepare participants in advance of the MTN Bushfire Festival. They focus on:

Practical tools for innovation within the creative sector
Awareness and protection against unethical or unauthorised use of artificial intelligence
Strategies for independent artists to secure professional bookers and managers
An introduction to the Arts Round Table and its application process

Arts Round Table 2026: Key focus areas

The in-person Arts Round Table will bring together artists, industry specialists and international delegates to discuss:

Driving Innovation – Embracing AI in the Creative Industry: Responsible use of AI and safeguarding creative work
Mental Health in the Creative Industry: Managing stress, wellbeing and sustainable creative careers
Developing Independence – Networking and Career Growth: The role of professional networks, events, and industry visibility
Building Bridges – Artist Export and Cross-Continental Collaboration: Opportunities for global collaboration and creative exchange

Creative exchange and showcases

As part of the partnership:

ARMC will facilitate a 14-person delegation of creatives, industry professionals and media to attend MTN Bushfire Festival 2026
Selected artists will perform across three festival stages
Delegates will contribute to the Arts Round Table and broader industry engagement
The initiative supports artist mobility, international exposure and export-ready career development

The collaboration aligns the ARMC annual conference in Johannesburg (22 to 23 May) with the MTN Bushfire Festival (29 to 31 May 2026), creating a continuous programme of learning, networking and live performance across borders.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online via the respective links for each session:

12 March 2026 (Online): https://bit.ly/4c618Os
16 April 2026 (Online): https://bit.ly/3Oiqv5M
29 May 2026 (In-person): https://bit.ly/ArtsRoundTable2026

The Arts Round Table programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional practice, peer learning and sustainable growth within the African creative ecosystem.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.

Open call