HEATSKRS CON Returns in November, Bringing the Creative Economy Together

HEATSKRS CON returns on 13 and 14 November 2026 at Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners and industry professionals for two days of conversations, learning, collaboration and cultural exchange.

Presented by BAI Foundation, HEATSKRS CON is centred on increasing the interconnectivity and understanding of South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors. The convention creates a space for people working across different areas of the creative economy to exchange knowledge, explore new opportunities and better understand the wider ecosystem they are part of.

Building on the foundation established through previous HEATSKRS programmes, the 2026 convention will explore both the business and craft of creativity, while creating opportunities for audiences to experience the people, ideas and projects shaping contemporary culture.

The programme will unfold across two days, each with a distinct focus.

Day One: The Information Hub

The first day, Friday, 13 November, focuses on knowledge, industry access and practical tools for navigating the creative economy.

The programme will feature The Bloo-Grape Hackathon, a high-energy creative pitch competition challenging teams to develop a campaign concept alongside the practical production and financial considerations required to bring it to life.

Alongside the hackathon, audiences can expect industry discussions, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions exploring areas such as cinema, music licensing, risk management, budgeting, curation and the evolving business of creative work.

The Information Hub will also create dedicated spaces for curated networking and industry connection, recognising that sustainable creative ecosystems are built not only through knowledge, but through relationships.

Day Two: The Cultural Hub

On Saturday, 14 November, HEATSKRS CON moves into its Cultural Hub, placing creative expression, storytelling and cultural exchange at the centre of the experience.

One of the key segments will be the BAI Spotlights, a live conversation series that gives audiences an opportunity to hear directly from creative practitioners and entrepreneurs about the journeys behind their work. The conversations will explore the personal, creative and entrepreneurial realities of building a sustainable career within the creative economy.

The day will also feature Early Look & Breakdown Sessions, offering audiences an opportunity to go behind the scenes of developing creative projects and gain insight into the processes, decisions and challenges involved in bringing ideas to life.

The Cultural Hub will further come alive through live performances and creative showcases; creating an environment where audiences can engage with culture beyond the traditional panel or conference format.

Across both days, HEATSKRS CON seeks to bridge the spaces between industry and culture, creativity and entrepreneurship, knowledge and opportunity. HEATSKRS has grown into a broader ecosystem supporting creative entrepreneurship, youth development and artistic excellence within the Creative Economy. Its programming is designed to create greater access to industry knowledge, networks and opportunities while strengthening connections between creatives, audiences and the wider sector.

With HEATSKRS CON 2026, that vision continues through a programme that asks audiences not only to consume culture, but to better understand how it is made, who makes it and what is required to sustain the people and ecosystems behind it.

For media enquiries, interviews, accreditation and further information: Nikiwe Buhlalu Communications Lead, BAI Foundation 076 908 1519 nikiwe.buhlalu@baifoundation.org.za