Festivals & Creative Expressions
The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosts five dynamic festivals that celebrate diverse artistic expressions, fostering cultural dialogue, creativity, and social engagement across literature, film, dance, poetry, and human rights.
Time of the Writer
18 - 23 March 2025
A literature festival celebrating writing and storytelling, bringing together local and international authors to engage in dialogue and showcase diverse literary talents. The festival provides a platform for emerging and established writers to share their work, participate in panel discussions, and connect with readers, exploring the power of narrative across various genres and perspectives.
Artfluence Human Rights Festival
3 - 8 May 2025
A powerful festival exploring human rights through various artistic mediums, using creativity as a tool for social awareness and change. Artists from different disciplines come together to challenge perspectives, provoke thought, and inspire action through powerful performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that highlight critical social justice issues.
Durban International Film Festival
17 - 27 July 2025
A premier film festival showcasing local and international cinema, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and celebrating cinematic art. The festival curates an exceptional program of feature films, documentaries, and shorts that reflect the complexity of contemporary storytelling and provide critical insights into diverse cultural experiences.
JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival
26 August - 13 September 2025
An innovative dance festival highlighting contemporary choreography, pushing boundaries of performance and movement. The festival transforms the stage into a dynamic arena of artistic dialogue, featuring performances that range from deeply personal explorations to bold artistic statements, showcasing the power of dance as a form of expression.
Poetry Africa
3 - 12 October 2025
A vibrant celebration of poetry from across Africa and beyond, bringing together spoken word artists, performers, and poetry enthusiasts. The festival amplifies diverse poetic voices, exploring the rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural expressions through performances, workshops, and collaborative events that demonstrate the evolving nature of contemporary poetry.
