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 the University of Fort Hare and the University of Kwazulu-Natal. 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...
2019. What a year it was. It has been an exciting year for the Arts, Heritage, Cultural and Creative sector.
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Latest News
The Mapping Study 2018
Every two years the Observatory undertakes an in-depth sector-wide economic study - the Mapping Study. In 2018, we produced a key report that analyses the entire sector, particularly as it relates to its contribution to the SA economy and GDP.
Trevor Noah nominated for Grammy Award
Trevor Noah’s star continues to shine beyond our shores, a confirmation that our cultural and creative industries products can be successfully exported and traded anywhere in the world.
GQ Magazine Recognizes SA Artists
The South African arts, culture and creative industry was a net beneficiary when GQ Magazine SA recognised several artists at the inaugural GQ Men of the Year Awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on December 1st.
Word from DAC
The creative and cultural economies are one of the fastest growing industries and should be at the centre of national strategic priority to unlock the wider socio- economic participation and inclusivity in the mainstream economy.
The impact of commodity-dependent countries like South Africa has refocused attention on the urgency of economic diversification, revitalization and harnessing of human innovation in order to weather the economic storm.
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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 (SACO) was given a boost with last week’s release of the UN’s Creative Economy Outlook and Country Profile report, giving the institution a fitting recognition.
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