Multi-genre fest XOOXITY debuts in CT & JHB

It will consist of multiple stages for music and state of the art stage design, visuals, installation art, film and other creative elements. The festival will also include a fully-fledged technology component in the form of the already established Tech4Africa conference.

The pre-party will be held on 1 May at Zip Zap Circus, Jan Smuts Street, Cape Town and the inaugural XOOXITY Art / Tech / Music Festival (pronounced Zoo City) will be on 3 May at the Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg.

Both events offer DJ Fresh with Messy MC (UK), Bittereinder, Sibot & Toyota and more. Tickets are R500 on www.plankton.mobi and include a cashless card with R50 credit loaded for use at the event bars and food stalls.

Apart from the music, the hope is for the event to take over the entire cityscape gradually, with many installations, films, activations and art pieces. Some of these are being commissioned and curated by Between10and5. However if you are an artist, there is an opportunity for you to be involved. Interactive live glass, digital graffiti and 3D projection mapping by Facet Nation will illuminate the stage and surrounding buildings and bring the Xity to life at night.

"This is probably one of the most exciting creative things we have done in the last five years" said Carel Hoffmann, president for life of the Hilltop Live group. "Creativity, technology and music/art is fusing in many new formats which are really not highbrow at all any more. It is on the streets with us. Hopefully it can become a platform for us and other artists and technologists to latch onto in the years to come."

Tech4Africa

The aim is not only to include technology-inspired art but also to have real IT and tech entrepreneurs and groundbreakers as part of the fibre of the event. With this in mind, Tech4Africa has been fenced into the XOOXITY celebrations, being held at the Sci-Bono Centre, Newtown, Johannesburg from 2-3 May. The conference focuses on deep technical workshops and sessions for practitioners and engaging talks that impart knowledge, perspective, African context and inspiration. It was completely sold out in 2013 and it is strongly advised that interested parties book as early as possible.

Tickets are R1000 on www.plankton.mobi and include access to XOOXITY

Participants still wanted

If you're a visual or installation artist then this is your chance to be showcased. XOOXITY will be showcasing as many exhibitors as space will allow. Email us on az.oc.evilpotllih@ofni. Applications for guest speakers for the 2014 Tech4Africa have now opened. Candidates may submit their resume through on http://speak.tech4africa.com for consideration.