South African Cultural Observatory
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is a national statistical and socio-economic research project, established by the Department of Arts & Culture, with the purpose of developing a comprehensive cultural information system in South Africa. The South African Cultural Observatory is hosted by and based at the Nelson Mandela University, and co-hosted in partnership with Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare. The primary cultural domains, as idenitifed by UNESCO, such as arts, tourism, heritage, libraries and museums, are the main research focus of the SACO and such research will support the development of intellectual capacity across these sectors.
The key functions of the South African Cultural Observatory include the following:
- Policy focused research (surveys, case studies)
- Reviews of current programmes
- M&E – impact of government spending
- Collection of statistics (databases)
- Physical and Online access
- Networking, sharing, partnerships
Executive Direction - From the desk of...
THE SOUTH African Cultural Observatory has a trove of research. Over the past three years we have generated research reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, a ground-breaking mapping study and more. We are intent on sharing this research widely and ensuring that the sector benefits, empowering through knowledge.
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Latest News
SACO to share important creative research at workshops
THE cultural and creative industries (CCI) are often misunderstood. Not anymore. The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) has developed a baseline cultural information system to help practitioners, policy-makers and planners better understand the South African cultural and creative economy.
SAMRO Foundation Offers Condolences to HHP’s Family & Music Industry
The SAMRO Foundation was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Motswako’s finest, Jabulani “HHP” Tsambo, on Wednesday, 24 October 2018. Tsambo, who was also affectionately known as “Jabba”, was a colleague, a friend and a a founding board member of the SAMRO Foundation.
Jobs in the cultural and creative industries
CAREER and job opportunities are available in the cultural and creative industries. Currently Business and Arts South Africa, the Market Theatre Foundation (Windybrow Theatre) and Market Photo Workshop are looking for talented leaders to take their organisations into the future.
SACO 2 and the value of sustainability
The second iteration of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) was launched at Rhodes University on 10 October 2018, indicating the sustainability of inter-university projects.
Word from DAC
MINISTER of Arts & Culture, Nathi Mthethwa was in New York on Heritage Day as part of the celebrations for a handover of a 1.9m statue of Nelson Mandela to the United Nations. The statue of South Africa's first democratically-elected president Nelson Mandela was unveiled as part of a Mandela Peace Summit which coincides with Heritage Day in South Africa. The statue is a gift from South Africa to the international community and is a symbol of humanity and reconciliation.
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The 360: News from around the world
INDONESIA is planning to hold the first ever “World Conference on Creative Economy” (WCCE), involving stakeholders and representatives from governments, private sectors, think-tanks, civil society, international organizations, as well as media and experts in the creative economy.
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Open Source: Latest research for download
COPYRIGHT is a big issue in the digital age. The copyright debate is raging largely between the European Union (EU) and the big technology giants. EU lawmakers have been working for two years on proposed legislation aimed at updating copyright for the digital age.
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Progress Report: Updates on CO achievements
THE South African Cultural Observatory welcomes Rene Derrocks to the team as the incoming new administrator. Rene has eight years’ experience in the tourism marketing environment.
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