As Minister McKenzie reflects on his first year in office, Ismail will engage him on his successes in fostering social cohesion and supporting the cultural and creative economy. This includes the swift recognition Minister McKenzie received for his prompt interventions to support the National School of the Arts and his openness to engage with representatives from diverse groups within the Cultural & Creative Industries. He will also explore the Minister’s vision of “Business Unusual” at the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, his five-year targets, and the progress and challenges faced. With more than 40 years in cultural leadership, Ismail has received three Lifetime Achievement Awards and two French knighthoods. He previously served as Senior Cultural Specialist at the US Embassy, Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, and CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation. He is currently Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.