We recently visited three illustrious cultural institutes in South Africa as part of our cultural journey, delving into the dynamic realm of international collaboration. We visited the France Institute of South Africa, the Goethe-Institut (CAV Arts) in Johannesburg, and the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria during our week-long excursion. Come along as we share stories of our eye-opening encounters and delve into the groundbreaking work that these cultural centers are doing to shape South Africa’s artistic scene.
The Pretoria Korean Cultural Centre: An Entrance to Korean History
The Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria took me on an enthralling tour of Korean history and culture, a place I had never been to before yet felt a deep connection to through my family. Its lively atmosphere drew me in right away, and the displays of Hanbok, traditional Korean apparel, took me to a place that spoke to my aunt’s heritage.
Beyond mere looks, the immersive experience surpassed all expectations. The enticing scent of authentic Korean delicacies wafted through the air, tempting us to give in to their deliciousness. Experiencing the delicacies that are a part of my cousins’ history was a lovely surprise. A physical link was established between my family’s heritage and the here and now through the medium of food.
Korean television is something my family enjoys, even though we normally watch it with subtitles on our home DSTV, so we continued our cultural immersion as we settled in to watch Korean series. I was reminded of the universal appeal of stories by the shared laughter and times of suspense, which crossed language barriers.
The evening’s high point was watching a comedy on Netflix, which not only made us laugh but also displayed the superb cinematography for which South Korean films are known. I was captivated and motivated to learn more about Korean culture after watching this film, which provided a cinematic glimpse into its landscapes and comedy.
Even after we departed from the event, the need to visit Korea grew stronger. The Korean Cultural Centre had piqued my interest in the country’s history, customs, and modern culture, and I wanted to learn more about it.
Seeing local South Africans enthusiastically sing Korean was a highlight of the celebration. Cultural interchange has the power to unite people regardless of their language or location, and this peaceful fusion of cultures demonstrated the worldwide influence of Korean entertainment.
For someone like myself, who has Korean ancestry within their family line, the trip turned into an introspective quest for knowledge. Witnessing traditional attire, enjoying genuine delicacies, and watching familiar television programs brought me closer to my aunt’s heritage. The comedy and cinematography of the Netflix video made me want to see the nation for myself.
Exploring the Creative Nexus at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg
The next stop on our tour was Johannesburg, home to the Goethe-Institut, a German hub for marketing strategy, entrepreneurship, language, and creative thinking in the gaming industry. The focus of our prior visits had been on gaming, but this event provided a far broader experience.
Masterclasses held by Womandla Global Network‘s charismatic Sam Gqomo kicked off the day. All the complexities of the field of marketing strategy became easily accessible because of her extensive knowledge in the subject. I learned a lot about how to create successful marketing strategies for companies in the masterclass, which was a real eye-opener.
After the workshop, we went shopping at a bustling marketplace where local artisans and entrepreneurs sold their wares. Entrepreneurs enthusiastically showcased their creations, creating an atmosphere buzzing with inventiveness. All sorts of creative pursuits were on display at the stalls, from new ideas for games to one-of-a-kind artwork.
A vibrant marching band provided musical accompaniment to the celebrations, stepping up the creative energy level even further. Vulane Mthembu, head of gaming at Goethe-Institut, was a delight to reconnect with. His account of the humble beginnings of gambling in Durban provided an intriguing glimpse into the development of the sector.
There was more of a focus on building platforms for creatives than just individual showcases at the event. A virtual phonebook, a central hub that connects creatives with possibilities, was the aim of several institutions. By creating a one-stop-shop for artists, this project hopes to increase their exposure, encourage teamwork, and give them a voice.
During the course of the event, conversations arose regarding the numerous obstacles that artists and creatives encounter in sustaining their careers in the contemporary world. There was a lot of talk about how to adjust to the new digital world, how to use technology, and how to deal with the changing needs of creative sectors.
Culture Unveiled at the France Institute of South Africa in Braamfontein
Our cultural excursion concluded in Braamfontein at the France Institute of South Africa. My interest in the institute’s arts programs led to this fortuitous meeting. We found a thriving center that combined cultural interchange with the modern arts scene not far from Tshiomologong Precinct.
We happened onto a game pitch event later that day by pure coincidence. Curious, we went back to see three groups fervently presenting their ideas, some of which were gaming-related and others displaying hopeful inventions. The experience demonstrated that South Africa’s gaming industry is still in its infancy and has a significant need for direction, assistance, and opportunities to promote our regional flavor abroad.
It became clear that there might be a hole in the current frameworks, which prioritize the arts at the expense of other, more important aspects of design. Thankfully, we were able to help individuals in need because of our unique position, which combined our cumulative creative experience with educational degrees. There was still unrealized potential waiting to be nurtured, but the idea that mentoring and assistance could drive the business ahead survived.
During our time at the France Institute of South Africa, we were fortunate enough to meet two people, Mickaรซl Newton and Khiran Keerodhur, who really enhanced our experience.
Khiran handled the business and investor sides of the pitch, and Mickael brought 20 years of experience to the table regarding how to improve video games for international audiences.
In sum:
As a group, we explored variety, unity, and unrealized promise on a dynamic tour to South Korean, German, and French cultural institutes in South Africa. Every experience, from immersing ourselves in Korean traditions to learning about the complex web of creativity at the Goethe-Institut and discovering the arts scene by chance at the France Institute, deepened our comprehension of the importance of international cooperation and cross-cultural understanding. The inventive displays and lively cultural fusion that we had experienced were with us as we departed.
One Response
A very insightful piece. Khanyi is interested in the Korean culture & has even started planning her trip next year. She especially appreciates their food, music & fashion. Thank you, going to share this piece with her:)