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
The year 2021 started on a very bad note when the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was devastatingly ruthless. It is difficult to find any family that has been spared or industry that has not experienced loss.
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As we close the year 2020, it is pretty difficult to decide as to where to start, what to talk about and what not to talk about. Just thinking about the year evokes and riles so many emotions at every level imaginable.
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Earlier in September, Stats SA released the GDP figures for the second quarter of the year showing severe economic contraction. The GDP fell by just over 16%. The fall is largely attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. In all probabilities, no sector of our economy has been spared.
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As we all know and have somewhat even become accustomed to it, due to social distancing measures put in place to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, since March 26, we have all not able to travel to any venue to consume any form of arts and culture products. Libraries, archives, museums, films and television productions, theatre and orchestra performances, fashion shows, concert tours, zoos as well as music and arts festivals have all been closed or come to a complete halt. Could this signal a death knell for the sector? The answer has to be a Big No, at least not if we can help it as consumers and key stakeholders of the cultural and creative industries.
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Call for input: Mapping Study on Museum and Fashion Sectors
The French Embassy and French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) have initiated a mapping study of the creative and cultural industries in South Africa, with an initial focus on the museum and fashion sectors.
The SA Cultural Observatory - Measuring and Valuing SA’s Cultural and Creative Industries
The SA Cultural Observatory was established primarily to undertake economic research for the cultural and creative industries. We publish our reports in various media platforms, including this newsletter, to benefit as many cultural practitioners as possible.
Industry Highlights
BASA, in partnership with the British Council, recently (24- 26 March) hosted an assembly where they discussed a number of issues that affect the creative industries.
Exporting Our Culture- Exploring International Markets for the CCIs
The creative industries are growing — and will continue to play an important role in the economy. The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are one of the world’s most rapidly growing and increasingly important economic sectors.
Executive Direction March 2021
The year 2021 started on a very bad note when the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was devastatingly ruthless. It is difficult to find any family that has been spared or industry that has not experienced loss.
