MTN Bushfire and the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) are calling on artists and creative industry professionals to apply for a chance to participate in this year’s MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table (ART) capacity-building online sessions to be held on 12 March and 16 April, respectively.
Applications are also open for the in-person annual Arts Round Table workshop, which will take place on 29 May 2025 at House On Fire in Eswatini, setting the stage for an energising and uplifting MTN Bushfire festival weekend.
In 2026, the ART programme will once again be developed in partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), strengthening cross-continental linkages and reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term industry growth across the African creative ecosystem.
To apply, simply click on the links below.
12 March 2026 (Online) – Embracing AI in the Creative Industry: https://bit.ly/4c618Os Applications close on Thursday, 5 March
16 April 2026 (Online) – Developing Independence: https://bit.ly/3Oiqv5M Applications close on Friday, 2 April
29 May 2026 – MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table (In-person): https://bit.ly/ArtsRoundTable2026 Applications close on Friday, 17 April
The online sessions are designed to ensure that creatives are supported well ahead of their arrival in Eswatini for the MTN Bushfire festival. These sessions will explore practical tools for innovation and effective interventions for protection against unethical and unauthorised AI usage.
The online sessions will also serve as a space for independent artists to access insights on strategies for securing professional bookers and managers. Each session will further introduce participants to the ART and its application process.
The Arts Round Table has become a vital, credible initiative for professionalising the African arts sector. From structured workshops to panel discussions and networking opportunities,
This platform has been instrumental in linking talent to international markets and lucrative career pathways.
On Friday, 29 May 2026, the Arts Round Table will convene artists, industry specialists and international delegates to explore the following themes:
Driving Innovation – Embracing AI in the Creative Industry: Empowering creatives to use AI to their advantage while safeguarding their work from unethical or unauthorised use by AI companies.Mental Health in the Creative Industry – Strategies for balancing a demanding creative career with mental wellbeing and practical techniques to manage stress and overwhelm.Developing Independence – The Importance of Attending Networking Events: Learn how to attract the right bookers and managers and discover why strategic networking and attending events is key to advancing your career in the creative industry.Building Bridges – Artist Export & Cross-Continental Collaboration: Exploring global collaboration to grow artist export and cross-continental creative exchange (Arts Incubator Corridor / Reeperbahn / ADE / CollaboNation).
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, while delegates share their knowledge at the Arts Round Table and encourage wider industry engagement. This exchange supports artist mobility, international exposure, and the development of export-ready creative careers.
With the Africa Rising Music Conference annual event taking place on 22–23 May 2026 in Johannesburg, followed immediately by the MTN Bushfire Festival from 29–31 May 2026, the partnership creates a seamless connection between learning, networking, and live performance across borders
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this interactive programme curated intentionally to foster best practice, peer-to-peer learning and meaningful connections between African creatives as well as the global music and arts ecosystem.
![CTT Beats, Flash Ikumkani, Hannah V – UNDITHWELE [ Official Video]](https://dalakreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/126e2320-6774-67b8-c0d0-6e9f02af4d58.jpg)
