Futures_Past mobility programme strengthens collaboration between Southern Africa and France
The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), a member of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), recently coordinated a mobility programme as part of Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies, supporting exchange between Southern African practitioners and French cultural and creative actors.
Held from 7 to 15 April 2026, the programme brought together 18 delegates from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi for engagements across Paris, Lille, Marseille and Nantes. Focused on heritage and immersive practices, it combined site visits, professional meetings and working sessions aligned with participants’ projects. Delegates engaged with institutions including the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, the Musée de l’Homme, MUCEM and Louvre-Lens, as well as festivals and platforms such as NewImages and Journées de l’Immersif. Meetings with immersive studios, design labs and public bodies offered insight into production models, funding frameworks, and the development of digital heritage projects.
By facilitating direct exchanges with institutions and potential partners, the programme contributed to concrete collaboration pathways and future co-production opportunities between France and Southern Africa. Futures_Past is a regional initiative led by IFAS in partnership with Electric South and cultural institutions in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, with exhibitions scheduled across the region from September to December 2026.
I've attached a photo I like, but you can access more here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14JH6dzk1DGWeRrfaD7KRwmV6m620CGFj?usp=drive_link.
Disclaimer:
This article is an external contribution and was not produced by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI). The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of FSACCI.
