Creative Festival by August Fest Explores Creative Economy at T-Works in Hyderabad

The Creative Festival by The August Fest brought together artists, founders, filmmakers, writers, chefs, designers, and students at T-Works in Hyderabad to explore how creativity and culture are shaping the new economy.

Presented in collaboration with Sreenidhi University, the festival examined community building, literature, cinema, food culture, identity, and the creator economy, highlighting how imagination and intellectual property serve as economic currency.

Kiran G, founder of The August Fest, noted that creative work is often celebrated for its beauty but not always understood for its economic value. He stated that the edition aimed to bring creativity and business together to recognise creative pursuits as viable drivers of new enterprises, communities, and careers.

The festival featured several panel discussions throughout the day. The opening session, "The Power of Community," featured Sai Chaitanya Kokku, Priyanjana Roy Das, Sayeeda Jabri, Suhani Dhadphale, and Nirmesh Gollamandala, moderated by Nandini Kuntamukkula, discussing how creative spaces and shared interests foster belonging.

In another session, "Coffee, Conversations & Spaces," speakers Darani Janarthanan, Niharika Vejendla, Pranathi Vallabhaneni, and Rohith Chennamaneni joined food and culture writer Amrutha Kothapally to examine how cafes and dining venues contribute to urban cultural life.

Literary discussions included "What It Takes to Write Your First Book?", featuring Alisha Jain, Tuljha Bhavani Reddy, Mounika Tula, and Maithreya Chakravarthula. Another panel, "Four Ways to Tell the Same Truth," brought together Sushma Chitta, Kishor Krishnamoorthi, Swathi and Vijay, Niral Uprit, and Santo Mohan Veeranki to explore diverse forms of expression across dance, comedy, visual art, and handloom entrepreneurship.

Panelists Abhigna Rambhatla, Vaishnavi Rao Devakonda, Parnika Thummala, Ravi Raj, and Vaishnavi Sharma Buddu spoke during "The Art of Creating Something People Love." Thummala shared how her interdisciplinary background across law, sustainability, and fashion helped shape her creative identity around Indian textiles and crafts.

The event also included The Launchpad, an exhibition area featuring stalls, demo pods, and displays across art, fashion, cinema, literature, and food. The showcase featured consumer ventures and young entrepreneurs, including founders aged six and eight, alongside a student startup pitch session.

Cinema-focused discussions featured actor Malavika Nair, producer Meher Kilaru, actor Vishwadev Rachakonda, and casting director Pushpa Bhaskar in "The People & Things We Can’t Forget." Later, "The Economics of Attention" featured Akanksha Kommirelly, Futa Sugano, Udhvithaa Harshaa Sharrma, Priyanka Neelam, and Krishna Priya Akella to discuss audience reach and algorithms.

The festival concluded with "The Caffeine Conspiracy," an interactive theatre production staged by Ameya Drama that invited audience participation.