Executive Direction - August 2019
This year the International Women’s Day theme was #BalanceforBetter. It essentially talks to a balanced world being a better world. The International Women’s Day partners adopted a year-long campaign that seeks to encourage as many people to contribute in ‘forging a more gender-balanced’ world while celebrating women’s achievements.
In this newsletter, to commemorate the Women’s month, we took a view to dedicate the entire edition to women who are involved in the arts, culture and creative industries. Our purpose is to encourage them to continue to excel in their chosen artistic areas, while they inspire other women- young and old.
While many female artists may still face challenges in the industry, there are many who continue to push the boundaries to remove the obstacles, not only for themselves, but also for those will follow on their footsteps. Women often face gatekeeping systems that can either open or close off opportunities for them to advance in their artistic careers. The more women who enter the industry, the higher are the chances for dismantling gatekeeping systems
In celebrating the women in the sector, we give them extra courage and acknowledgement that someone notices and appreciates their work. Speaking at UNESCO-sanctioned International Women’s Day event, musicians Victor Solf and Simon Carpentier from the group Her echo this sentiment and contend that “it is important to recognize the talents and achievements of women as creators and cultural entrepreneurs”.
Until then,
Unathi Lutshaba
Executive Director: South African Cultural Observatory
As we celebrate heritage month, as we visit various heritage sites, as we remember the journey walked and traversed by our forebears, it is wise to take to heart the words of the Spanish philosopher and essayist George Santayana when he said that “those who do not remember their past are condemned to repeat their mistakes, and those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it”.
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The first quarter of our new financial year (2019/20) has been characterized by several momentous events. The country held successful national elections, elected the sixth administration into office, new national assembly members and new provincial legislatures
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These past few months have seen some good momentum gained in providing direction to the research outputs of the South African Cultural Observatory. In the same vein, the inputs for the Research Agenda have expanded the research possibilities for the Observatory and the sector as a whole.
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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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The artist with a deep appreciation for art- Mr Avhashoni Mainganye
At a recent SA Cultural Observatory workshop in the Vhembe district in Sibasa, Limpopo, we came across the definition of an artist- Mr Avhashoni Mainganye. Currently based at the Vhembe Arts and Culture centre in Thohoyandou, the unassuming Mainganye is an accomplished painter, printmaker, sculptor, photographer, arts teacher and mentor with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.
Encouraging a culture of reading a collective responsibility
Various partners have come together to do their bit to encourage and engender the culture of book reading. During the month of September the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Book Development Council (SABDC), Exclusive Books and Bargain Books all participated in initiatives to encourage South Africans to buy and read books.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture invests substantial resources to grow the sector- CCIFSA
In order to support the growth of the industry, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture continues to invest substantial resources in the sector. The Department has invested over R13 million to assist the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA).
Executive Direction
As we celebrate heritage month, as we visit various heritage sites, as we remember the journey walked and traversed by our forebears, it is wise to take to heart the words of the Spanish philosopher and essayist George Santayana when he said that “those who do not remember their past are condemned to repeat their mistakes, and those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it”.
Gautengers celebrating Heritage Month in style
Every other year as we celebrate heritage month in September, South Africans are spoilt for choice of arts, heritage and cultural experiences. With our rich heritage, we have a wide variety of cultural consumptions to feast on.
