A MAZE will use public spaces across Braamfontein bringing games and media art expression to the public unexpected and memorable ways. The goal of A MAZE. is to create an annual evolving international platform for African and European media artists and game developers. The festival opens up a playground for everyone who wants to experience creative expression with code, play and technology. A MAZE provides a three-day programme packed with lectures, panel discussions, indie games, interactive installations, street games, workshops, concerts and parties.
Since its inception in Europe in 2008, A MAZE has been celebrating the convergence of games, art and technology across Europe, with the HQ being based in Berlin.
The founder of A MAZE and festival director, Thorsten S Wiedemann, said: "We are more than happy to announce that A MAZE Joburg has secured a partnership with the Digital Arts Department of the University of the Witwatersrand for the next four years. This strong relationship between an academic institution and an international label guarantees sustainability and visibility worldwide. This year we are welcoming artists, game developers, forward thinkers, entrepreneurs, nerds and geeks from all over Africa and Europe to share their knowledge and visions about games, art and technology. A MAZE Joburg is a public festival of creativity and progressive culture."
Artists who will be featured include: Rami Ismail, game designer from The Netherlands; Chief Nyameya, game designer from Kenya; Sameh Al Tawil, media artist and researcher from Egypt; Tegan Bristow, media artist and researcher from South Africa; Joao Orecchia, musician and sound artist from South Africa; Sos Sosowski, game designer from Poland; SFA, animation artists from Germany; John Kevin Biretwa, digital entrepreneur from Uganda; Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, game consultant from Nigeria; Evan Greenwood, game designer from South Africa.
For more information about the programme and the locations, go to www.amaze-interact.co.za. (Program will be available from 19 August.)
