A WORKSHOP to introduce the Department of Arts & Culture’s new national public research entity, the South African Cultural Observatory, will take place on February 19, 2016, in Johannesburg. The first annual national workshop will highlight the Cultural Observatory’s role in valuing and developing South Africa's Creative Economy.
The South African Cultural Observatory is a statistical research institute which charts the impact of the cultural and creative industries in South Africa. It does so through a range of innovative statistical methodologies, audits and research tools.
The main purpose of the South African Cultural Observatory is the development of a comprehensive cultural information system which continuously captures cultural data and monitors and evaluates government initiatives in the sector.
Professor Richard Haines, chief executive of the South African Cultural Observatory said the workshop presents a unique opportunity to engage with thinkers and creators in the cultural and creative industries and help shape the national research agenda.
“We are proud to host our first national workshop and call on all those involved in research in the creative sector, and also those who operate and manage arts organisations, to join us and start the collaboration that will shape our national research agenda,” said Haines.
The workshop will focus on introducing the new entity and its activities. With a specific focus on UNESCO’s six cultural and creative domains, the workshop attendees will share ideas and deliberate on the development of a National Research Agenda within and across the domains, which include:
“We will also present and discuss the results of the first South African National Mapping Study of the Cultural and Creative Industries,” added Haines.
The workshop will see the presentation of the proposed framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of publically funded arts, culture and heritage. The ultimate goal, says Haines, is to brief the cultural and creative industries on future opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
| Venue: | Hyatt Regency Hotel Johannesburg* |
| Date: | 19 February 2016 |
| Time: | 9am to 4pm |
| RSVP: | gilly@thefamousidea.co.za |
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