Dentsu School of Influence launches One Big Week in Cape Town

Dentsu School of Influence is expanding its One Big Week creator programme to Cape Town, inviting emerging South African creators to learn how to monetize influence and build professional careers. The week‑long event features masterclasses, mentorship, and live briefs across music, fashion, film, f…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:05:52 GMT

South Africa’s creator economy is no longer a hobby; it is a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Creators who once shared videos and photos for fun are now building brands, businesses and careers around their unique voices. Dentsu School of Influence, in partnership with the Creative Services Agency (CSA), is taking a bold step to nurture this talent by launching the One Big Week programme in Cape Town from 9 to 13 November 2026.

From Johannesburg to Cape Town: A Proven Formula

The first edition of One Big Week in Johannesburg proved that a structured, industry‑led approach can transform ambition into tangible outcomes. Participants in the capital gained access to agency internships, brand partnerships and real‑world briefs that bridged the gap between content creation and commercial success. Building on that success, Dentsu and CSA now aim to replicate the model in a city known for its vibrant creative scene.

Why Cape Town?

Cape Town’s cultural landscape—spanning music, fashion, film, food, design and digital media—offers a fertile ground for storytellers. The city’s diverse communities and growing tech infrastructure make it an ideal launchpad for creators who want to translate cultural relevance into revenue streams. By situating One Big Week here, Dentsu hopes to tap into a fresh wave of talent and help them navigate the commercial side of influence.

What the Week Looks Like

Over five intensive days, selected creators will work side‑by‑side with strategists, brand leaders and industry experts. The programme is structured around:

Masterclasses covering audience growth, brand negotiation, and business fundamentals.
Mentorship sessions with seasoned professionals who guide participants through real‑time challenges.
Live briefs that simulate brand campaigns, allowing creators to pitch, execute and receive feedback.
Networking events that connect participants with potential collaborators, investors and media partners.

Beyond content creation, the curriculum focuses on negotiating commercial partnerships, valuing personal brands, retaining audiences, and managing the business side of creativity. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap for turning their influence into a sustainable career.

Voices from the Front

Vicki Steenkamp, Client Services Director at Dentsu Influence Powered by CSA, emphasized the programme’s purpose: “Johannesburg showed us the ambition of young creators. One Big Week is about equipping them with practical knowledge, industry experience and real‑world opportunities.”

Executive Director Davin Phillips of CSA echoed this sentiment, noting that “creators who build sustainable careers understand that influence is just the starting point. They need to grasp their audience, value and the business behind their creativity.”

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to emerging creators across South Africa who are building communities on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms. Applicants must be ready to take the next step in turning creativity into a career. To apply, candidates must complete the online entry form via the official Are You The Next Big Creator? portal and submit supporting documents, including a certified copy of their ID and a matric certificate or relevant academic transcripts.

Applications close on Friday, 9 October 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Dentsu’s EE requirements mean that preference will be given to candidates from designated groups.

What Happens Next?

Selected participants will receive a detailed itinerary, travel arrangements and accommodation details. The programme will culminate in a showcase event where creators present their completed briefs to a panel of industry leaders. Successful participants may secure internships, brand deals or other professional opportunities as a result of their performance.

For those who miss this edition, Dentsu and CSA plan to expand the programme to other South African cities in the coming years, ensuring that creators nationwide have access to high‑quality training and mentorship.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, events like One Big Week are essential for bridging the gap between creative passion and commercial viability. By providing structured learning and real‑world exposure, Dentsu School of Influence is helping the next generation of South African creators build sustainable careers.

Key facts

One Big Week expands from Johannesburg to Cape Town, offering five days of intensive training.
The curriculum covers audience growth, brand negotiation, and business management.
Participants work on live briefs with real brands and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Applications close on 9 October 2026; preference for candidates from designated groups.
The event aims to turn cultural relevance into commercial opportunity for South African creators.

Why it matters

The programme equips creators with the skills and networks needed to monetize influence, turning creative passion into sustainable livelihoods and strengthening South Africa’s creative economy.

Frequently asked questions

What is One Big Week?

One Big Week is a five‑day intensive programme that pairs emerging creators with industry professionals for masterclasses, mentorship, and live brand briefs.

Who can apply?

Creators across South Africa building communities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are eligible, provided they submit a complete application by 9 October 2026.

How do I apply?

Complete the online entry form on the official "Are You The Next Big Creator?" portal and submit required documents, including a certified ID copy and academic transcripts.