In 2023, Creative Nestlings partnered with the V&A Waterfront to support their Artist Alliance program, a 30-year celebration of the arts in Cape Town. Through this partnership, we empowered six exceptional creatives - Anelissa Nkanyuza (LisaTriesToArt), Carmen Jacobs, Dumi Mparutsa, Larissa Mwanyama, Lehlohonolo "Hlohi" Ndlovu, and Sipho Ngqayimbana (Msai) - to elevate their craft and refine their business acumen. Our contributions included developing a comprehensive curriculum, collaborating on marketing efforts, selecting mentors and mentees, coaching the mentees over two months, and hosting masterclasses on essential business skills and industry insights.

The 2023 Artist Alliance Incubator programme cohort consisted of talented individuals from diverse disciplines, including digital art, illustration, animation, graphic design, videography, and music production. The six selected creatives were mentored by a panel of influential industry leaders, including Dirk Durnez, Kay Faith, Ishaarah Abrahams, Russell Abrahams, Zunaid Green, and Nadia Darries, who shared their expertise and experience to help them elevate their craft and refine their business acumen.

Additionally, we hosted our Conversations On Creativity talks, featuring 16 creatives and attended by over 400 individuals, further fostering a sense of community and creative exchange.

Through this programme, we fostered a creative neighborhood community, providing a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and grow. The success of this programme demonstrates ours and the V&A Waterfront's commitment to nurturing artistic talents and creative excellence in South Africa. By supporting emerging creatives, we aim to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Cape Town and beyond.