The Miraisha Programme Launches in South Africa, Marking a New Chapter for African Creatives
Canon’s Miraisha Programme has officially landed in South Africa for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support and nurture young creative talent across the continent. The inaugural workshop was held in collaboration with Market Photo Workshop, a leading institution that serves as a school of photography, gallery, and project space. The Market Photo Workshop has played a vital role in training South Africa’s photographers and promoting visual literacy, particularly within neglected and marginalised communities.
The first Canon Miraisha workshop in South Africa officially commenced on May 19th 2025, hosted in collaboration with The Market Photo Workshop, the training brought together 15 enthusiastic participants, each with a shared passion for photography and a drive to enhance their creative skills. This launch not only introduced the Miraisha Programme to a new audience but also laid the foundation for a meaningful and lasting impact on South Africa’s growing creative sector.
The first Canon Miraisha workshop in South Africa officially commenced on May 19th 2025, hosted in collaboration with The Market Photo Workshop, the training brought together 15 enthusiastic participants, each with a shared passion for photography and a drive to enhance their creative skills. This launch not only introduced the Miraisha Programme to a new audience but also laid the foundation for a meaningful and lasting impact on South Africa’s growing creative sector.
Over the course of three immersive days, participants engaged in robust foundational training in photography. The sessions covered key technical aspects such as composition, exposure, lighting, and storytelling techniques. These fundamentals are essential stepping stones for any aspiring photographer, and the Miraisha Programme ensured that students walked away with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that would shape their artistic development.
A major highlight of the workshop was the hands-on access to Canon’s cutting-edge cameras and lenses. Participants had the opportunity to explore a wide range of professional-grade equipment, gaining confidence and familiarity with the tools used by seasoned professionals. This real-world exposure helped bridge the gap between learning and application, giving attendees a valuable head start in their creative journeys.
Looking ahead, the Miraisha initiative in South Africa is only just beginning. A second cycle of training is already planned with The Market Photo Workshop, which will welcome 20 new students eager to follow in the footsteps of the inaugural group. This continued effort demonstrates Canon’s ongoing commitment to fostering local talent and building sustainable creative ecosystems within Africa.
To further elevate the impact of the programme, Canon will award scholarships to the top two participants from both cycles of training. These scholarships will allow the selected individuals to continue their photographic education at The Market Photo Workshop, one of the region’s most respected institutions for visual arts training. This opportunity offers a significant stepping stone toward professional development, empowering young creatives to pursue careers in photography and visual storytelling with confidence and support.