In a remarkably progressive move, Cape Town’s Triggerfish Animation Studios has announced its collaboration with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs, a program aimed at empowering African women in the animation industry. With a notable increase in attention towards gender equality and representation in creative fields, this initiative seeks to fill significant gaps both in skills training and leadership representation, particularly for women of color.
The animation sector in Africa is burgeoning, contributing an estimated $5 billion to the continent’s GDP and providing employment for over five million individuals. However, it has become apparent that gender disparities persist, especially in leadership roles. By focusing on women’s empowerment, this initiative is attempting to address not only representational issues but also broader systemic challenges within the industry.
The Creator Labs aims to deliver a targeted capacity-building program that encompasses various experiences for women looking to advance in animation. With a foundation provided by Triggerfish’s nonprofit arm, this comprehensive initiative is designed around creating both leadership opportunities and enhancing artistic skills.
The program will feature two main components: the Director Lab and the Animation Art Lab. Participants are set to benefit from enriching masterclasses with industry leaders, personalized mentorship sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities that could catalyze their careers. Furthermore, Triggerfish Academy will make training materials accessible online, ensuring a wider reach and fostering inclusivity at every stage of professional development.
Prominent figures from the animation community are backing this initiative, including Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, and Caroline Vos, who have previously contributed to Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Their participation highlights the program’s commitment to mentorship from professionals with hands-on experience in the animation landscape. Others, such as Cinzia Angelini and Nadia Darries, bring diverse perspectives that will enrich the learning experience for participants.
Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation, aptly emphasized the importance of empowering women in this field by stating that such efforts are crucial for not only creativity but also innovation within animation. Her sentiment echoes a growing recognition that inclusivity can lead to more diverse storytelling, which is essential in a continent rich with varied cultures and narratives.
Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, reiterated the need for focused education and training targeted at women in the animation sector. The disparity in access to education and training has been documented as a significant barrier for female professionals, making initiatives like The Creator Labs vital for fostering a more equitable industry.
The application window for The Creator Labs officially opened recently, with a timeline that allows enthusiastic candidates ample time to apply. The structured online masterclasses and mentoring sessions beginning in March 2025 are designed not only to elevate individual careers but also to foster a community that supports the next generation of female animators.
As the animation landscape evolves, The Creator Labs stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring women animators in Africa, signaling a shift towards greater equity and opportunity in an industry ripe for transformation.