New creative space opens at Goethe-Institut in Joburg

Library to host events

The fully refurbished library space comes with an extended offer of books, magazines, films, music and children’s literature in different languages, as well as a new interior with much space for study or research. It will also continue to host the popular #LiteraryCrossroads, a series of talks where South African writers meet colleagues from all over the continent and from the African diaspora, curated by Indra Wussow and Sine Buthelezi. Guests in September will be Rehana Rossouw (SA) and Fiston Mujila (DRC). For the December edition of #LiteraryCrossroads, the collaboration with Abantu Book Festival will be continued.

Developers can use Gamebox to present ideas

The Gamebox allows visitors to try out the latest from the world of video games. Currently available are seven computer games that won a gaming prize in Germany, as well as a variety of gaming consoles, an ultra-high definition screen and Virtual Reality equipment. The selection is set to be expanded and include regular curated showcases of South African, sub-Saharan African and German digital games.

Independent game developers and gaming startups can apply to make use of the Gamebox to present their ideas and products. Special events for Johannesburg’s gaming community, such as workshops and competitions, are also set to take place in the new space, for example through collaborations with the Digital Arts Department of WITS University and Fak’ugesi Festival. In partnership with the Johannesburg AMAZE Festival, a gaming breakfast with international guests will take place in September.

Apply for workspace in Hub@Goethe

Situated on the gallery level is the hub, offering eight fully equipped workplaces to creative entrepreneurs who are working on tech-driven creative start-ups.

The institute is currently accepting applications from suitable individual or group creative projects and tech-driven startups for a free six-month residency. This call is open to all creatives, innovators, developers and entrepreneurs above the age of 18 with specific sustainable projects. The space offers:

• Fully equipped work space – Members will have access to a laptop computer, desk, community discussion table, meeting and presentation space, lounge area and unlimited high speed internet connection
  
• Community – Hub@Goethe is aimed at building a creative and startup community. Members will be part of a vibrant community of like-minded creative entrepreneurs who will be ready to share ideas and help you find solutions and also provide motivation
  
• Entrepreneur support and development – Hub@Goethe will institute an entrepreneur development programme that includes one-on-one mentorship, events and round-table discussions. Top business leaders will be invited to give regular talks and presentations and members will have access to training events hosted by other hubs that collaborate with Hub@Goethe
  
• Gamebox – Members working on game development projects may use the Gamebox to test and showcase their games
  
• Library – Hub@Goethe is located inside the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg library and members may to join the library (R80 per year). There is a cafeteria on site for the much needed caffeine boost. A range of meals and snacks are available for sale.
  
• Community Investment – Members will have an opportunity to give back to the community through participating in eSkills Connect, which is a project that brings together diverse individuals to gain and share basic digital literacy skills.

The application deadline is 31 August 2017. Find the Hub@Goethe application form here.