Arts and Creative Industries / Digital Arts / From community care to royal history: Two Futures_Past exhibitions now open

From community care to royal history: Two Futures_Past exhibitions now open

Arts and Creative Industries
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5 October

Two immersive exhibitions developed through Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies are now open to the public in Johannesburg and Maseru.

Acts of Care in Johannesburg

Acts of Care draws on the archive of the Township AIDS Project, examining histories of community organising, education and mutual support during the HIV and AIDS crisis.

Produced by Two Name Games with GALA Queer Archive, the exhibition is structured around three stations: Witness, Recognise and Act. Visitors encounter the archive through virtual reality, augmented reality, projection and participatory art. Contributions made during the exhibition also become part of an expanding online archive.

The exhibition is open at Latitudes Centre for the Arts until 1 December 2026, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00, as well as on selected Saturdays. Entrance is free.

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Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story in Maseru

Following its official launch at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall on 17 September, Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story is now open at the Alliance Française de Maseru Library, in Lesotho. The launch was attended by His Majesty King Letsie III, His Royal Highness Prince Lerotholi Mohato Seeiso, Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, members of the Royal Family, dignitaries and partners.

Created by MP Multimedia with the Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre, the 360-degree virtual reality experience traces nearly two centuries of Basotho royal history, from King Moshoeshoe I to King Letsie III. Archival material, traditional music, spatial sound and historically informed landscapes guide visitors through important royal sites across Lesotho.

The experience is open until 4 December 2026. Entry is free, with VR headsets available on site.

Futures_Past is an initiative of the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with Electric South, with funding from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

 

Image credit: Top & bottom left: Kings of Lesotho – The Succession Story exhibition launch at the Alliance Française de Maseru. Credit: Prism Frames Co. Top & bottom right: Acts of Care exhibition opening at Latitudes Centre for the Arts. Credit: Adam Heyns

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