Heritage and Tourism Unite: Resonance Archive Festival and Artventurous Travel Conference Set for Gauteng

Gauteng is poised to become a vibrant cultural hub in 2025 with two major events celebrating heritage, art, and tourism: the Artventurous Travel Conference and the Resonance Archive Festival. From 28 to 31 August, the Resonance Archive Festival will bring together creatives, film lovers, and community members to explore the province’s rich cultural history while promoting tourism and supporting local communities. From 6 to 8 September, the Artventurous Travel Conference promises to foster cultural entrepreneurship and support creatives as key contributors to the province’s tourism and economic landscape.

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A Deep Dive into South African Culture

The Resonance Archive Festival, hosted at the Eyethu Heritage Hall in Soweto, will showcase a variety of African films presenting stories of resistance, memory, and Black cinematic futures. Known for its community-driven focus, the festival provides a platform for local filmmakers to share their work and for audiences to connect deeply with African history and artistry.

Alongside, the Artventurous Travel Conference will gather creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders to discuss how art, heritage, and community development intersect. Workshops and discussions will highlight how arts and culture can foster economic growth and empower communities.

Eyethu Heritage Hall: A Cultural Pillar in Soweto

Eyethu Heritage Hall, founded by Ephraim “Mshengu” Tshabalala and Caroline Kinini “CK” Tshabalala, stands as a beacon of Soweto’s arts scene. It will host the Resonance Archive Festival starting 30 August, commemorating Eyethu Cinema’s founding anniversary.

This festival includes historic and contemporary African film screenings, free events like the Music Archive Pop-Up, and notable films such as How Long by Gibson Kente, appealing to both film enthusiasts and those interested in cinema’s cultural influence.

The Tshabalala Walk of Remembrance

On 30 August, attendees can participate in the Tshabalala Walk of Remembrance, a guided tour of significant Soweto sites linked to the Tshabalala family and Eyethu Cinema. Stops like Mshenguville and Kinini Street offer an immersive cultural and historical experience.

The Community Market: Honouring Entrepreneurship

The community market, also on 30 August, celebrates local entrepreneurship inspired by the Tshabalalas’ journey from humble beginnings to success. Featuring over 15 local business stalls and live music, the market offers visitors a genuine taste of Soweto’s vibrant community life.

A Focus on Community and Tourism

These events provide Gauteng Tourism an opportunity to promote the province as a cultural tourism destination. Support such as subsidised ticketing and vendor promotion helps make Soweto’s heritage accessible and encourages township tourism.

Celebrating African Cinema and Heritage

Cinema is a powerful vehicle for preserving history and identity. The Resonance Archive Festival’s screenings, including Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, educate audiences on cinema’s role in cultural preservation. The Artventurous Travel Conference also explores how creative sectors can enhance tourism and sustainable economic development.

Why the Resonance Archive Festival Matters

The Resonance Archive Festival demonstrates how culture, history, and tourism unite to build strong communities. They empower locals to celebrate and preserve their heritage, honouring the past and creating future opportunities.

Whether you live locally, visit Gauteng, or simply love film, these events offer an exceptional chance to experience Soweto’s rich cultural tapestry.

Event Details Summary

Artventurous Travel Conference

The Artventurous Travel Conference is a unique three-day event designed for budding arts and travel entrepreneurs. It blends art, tourism, and community spirit to provide an immersive experience for creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. The conference includes workshops, discussions, and presentations focused on how arts and culture can drive economic growth and empower communities.

Event Details:

• Dates: 6 September to 8 September 2025
• Duration: 3 days
• Ticket Price: Exhibition package for 3 days costs R5,000
• Focus: A journey like no other, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and showcase at the intersection of art, travel, and entrepreneurship.

The conference aims to inspire and equip participants to leverage creativity and cultural tourism as engines for development. It offers a platform to engage with like-minded individuals and industry leaders for networking and growth.

A Cultural Renaissance for Gauteng

These festivals highlight Gauteng’s leadership in arts and culture. By celebrating Soweto’s vibrant heritage and inspiring new storytellers, they strengthen cultural tourism and community empowerment. Supporting these events means contributing to a movement preserving African heritage through storytelling.