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.
Our various research reports, including the latest Mapping Study and Covid-19 Impact reports, show how critical and a serious contributor the sector is. Our Mapping Study shows the sector’s direct contribution to the SA’s economy to be about R75 billion while the Covid-19 Impact study shows that Covid-19’s impact on the industry will be as high a negative R54 billion. In the real world this translates into loss of real economic value. More than anything, it also translates in harsh and debilitating impact on real lives, real jobs and real people who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
There is perhaps no better time than now when the industry and society at large has to demonstrate genuine and tangible solidarity to save and support the industry to ensure that it finds a way to survive the pandemic. Dates for re-opening and expectations for when cultural organisations can fully "return to normal" have remained undetermined here and in most countries across the world.
Fortunately, a lot of players in the industry have decided to ‘take the bull by its horns’ and face the pandemic head-on without compromising theirs or their clients’ health. A sizable number has gone virtual, are streamlining or making their products and services digitally available. They have decided to embrace the new normal. This is important because research indicates that even after regulations are relaxed, to allow people to attend events, many people will not be willing to attend events or participate in activities that are held in confined spaces for fear of the virus, at least until such time a proven vaccine is found.
Several South African artists have been live-streaming their performances. Many sites have lists of online cultural activities. One such event is the National Arts Festival, staged in Makhanda every year which was about to go live virtually as we were producing this newsletter. Tickets for virtual participation were also available online. But, none of this will help the industry without the support of the arts and culture consumers. For all the virtual, digital and streamlined activities to have any meaningful impact, they require critical mass support of the arts and culture consumers. We need to purchase tickets and ‘attend’ the various events and activities from the comfort of our homes. Only when we give meaningful support, will we ensure the longevity and survival of the industry, and with that help save jobs, and perhaps even, create new ones.
2024 has been a year of significant highs and heartbreaking lows for the South African Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and the sport sector, marked by both remarkable achievements and devastating losses. This year encapsulated the challenges and triumphs that define the spirit of the nation.
READ MOREAs the quarter comes to a close, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) celebrates the remarkable vitality and diversity of the country's cultural and creative industries. These sectors have demonstrated impressive strength and adaptability, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation's growth.
READ MORETHE economy, according to some, can be likened to a rainbow. We have all heard of the green or the blue economy. But what of the orange one? The orange economy is the creative economy. It is made up of the creative industries – such as architecture, animation, advertising, fashion and publishing. Together these industries form part of the modern economy where culture is produced and distributed through industrial means; with intellectual property being the main driver of trade, labour and production.
READ MORESouth Africa, 30 years into democracy, faces a challenge in nurturing a culture of democracy that resonates with its youth. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) executive director Unathi Lutshaba argues that harnessing the unifying power of culture can bridge this gap and drive positive societal change. The creative economy not only fuels economic growth but also reinforces democratic values, making it a vital component in shaping South Africa's future. Through continued research, advocacy, and collaboration, SACO envisions a Mzansi where creativity and democracy thrive together.
READ MOREThe bi-annual Cumulus conference, titled ‘Design Intelligence and 5IR’ will take place from 26-28 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This double-blind peer-reviewed conference is hosted by the University of Johannesburg in co-operation with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
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
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.
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.
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) released its latest SOUTH AFRICAN FESTIVAL ECONOMIC IMPACT CALCULATOR (SAFEIC) version 2.