Exchange on Research Topics and Needs for the Animation Sector and potential Collaboration with GIZ and Animation SA
The local gaming sector is in its infancy with most companies under ten years old. As part of disseminating its research, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in an exchange workshop with GIZ and Animation SA. Through the engagement, the three organizations are trying to establish an analysis and gain a holistic understanding of the environment in which animation professionals are operating, functioning support systems as well as needs for strengthening the sector. The animation sector would like SACO to include research topics that focus on animation in its latest research agenda of the cultural and sports economy. Animation SA will be conducting a survey in the animation sector which is aimed at gathering an animation database for South Africa.
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked intense debate about its potential to transform the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in South Africa. A recent research study conducted between October 2023 and July 2024 sought to answer the question: Is AI a rushed revolution or a holy creative grail? The study's findings reveal that AI is both a rushed revolution and a renaissance, enabling new and unimagined expression and speed for most creative workers. However, concerns about job displacement, skills development, intellectual property rights, and biases in AI algorithms cannot be ignored.
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The South African Cultural Observatory’s (SACO’s) research report on the review/evaluation of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) program illuminated some eye-opening insights about the MGE program.
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In this edition we highlight one of our latest research reports, specifically Gaming in South Africa: Producers and Consumers. The report was commissioned with an intention to build on the information contained in previous related reports with a focus on understanding gaming economies, business models and the consumers of games.
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The SA Cultural Observatory was established to undertake economic research for and about the cultural and creative industries in SA. We publish the reports on our website and in various media platforms, including this newsletter, with a view to empower industry stakeholders with information that we hope they will find useful, informative and can be relied upon when making decisions about the sector.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
SAVE THE DATE!! South African Cultural Observatory's upcoming conference that will take place on the 5 and 6 of November 2025. Theme: Creative Economy Futures: Perspectives, Policies & Practices Mark your calendars and stay tune for more information
Exploring the South African Design Sector
On November 7th, 2024, the South African Cultural Observatory hosted its last #GQFirstThursday for the year, themed "Design, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship” at The Roof Garden, Central, Gqeberha.
South African creatives embrace AI while calling for IP protection – new report.
Gqeberha, South Africa – December 10, 2024: A groundbreaking report from the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) reveals that creative professionals are enthusiastically adopting artificial intelligence while demanding stronger intellectual property protections and more say in how the AI era unfolds.
South African Cultural Observatory Launches Updated South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator (SAFEIC)
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) released its latest SOUTH AFRICAN FESTIVAL ECONOMIC IMPACT CALCULATOR (SAFEIC) version 2.
G20 Presidency in South Africa for the coming year
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is captivated by the news that South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 through to November 2025. Tying in well with the SACO 5th International Conference in November 2025, SACO anticipates that several issues dealt with during the G20 negotiations, will form part of some interesting discussions which will ensue.
