Café AI Report
The South African Cultural Observatory and the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation, in partnership with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) and the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture hosted a dialogue and workshop at the Tshimologong Precinct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the creative industries on 13 March 2024.
The workshop was a hybrid event to help facilitate dialogue and the writing process of a SACO-commissioned paper titled, “Artificial Intelligence: A rushed Revolution or the holy grail of a creative future?” It was widely received, with 310 streaming in via SodaWorld.tv, 434 via YouTube and ~ 160 in-person attendees. Some topics covered include:
- Tacking copyright, IP, ownership & mitigating against bias in the AI era
- How AI impacts creative work and daily creative production
- Jobs displacement, skills development, and keeping pace with AI.
- How can we turn a disadvantage into an advantage: Local value made global; IP protected?
- Policy discussion: Why policy matters right now – envisaging the future.
The event was the first national AI dialogue in the creative sector, and given its success, a discussion that many have been waiting for.
Globally, but particularly in the Global South, we're keenly aware of how funding, policy, and economic pressures impact the creative and sports economy sectors.
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On Thursday, 8 August 2025, the Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town came alive with rhythm, colour, and powerful conversations as artists, researchers, and music lovers gathered for the Women in Live Music Dissemination Session.
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Every September, South Africans gather and celebrate Heritage Month. This is a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that shape our nation.
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From the 8th to the 10th of September, the Economic Society of South Africa held its Centenary Conference in Somerset West, South Africa.
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Beyond survival mode: How SACO’s 5th International Conference can reroute South Africa’s creative economy future
Globally, but particularly in the Global South, we're keenly aware of how funding, policy, and economic pressures impact the creative and sports economy sectors.
Women in Live Music Shine in Cape Town Celebration
On Thursday, 8 August 2025, the Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town came alive with rhythm, colour, and powerful conversations as artists, researchers, and music lovers gathered for the Women in Live Music Dissemination Session.
Researching Cultural Policy: National and Comparative Perspective
As part of celebrating Heritage Month, SACO hosted a Brazilian Professorial Mission to strengthen ties between Brazilian and South African universities and cultural research institutions.
Heritage Institutions Reimagined for a New Age
Every September, South Africans gather and celebrate Heritage Month. This is a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that shape our nation.
Executive Direction - From the desk of Ms Unathi Lutshaba
Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated 5th International Conference of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), scheduled for the 4th and 5th of November 2025.
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