Executive Direction - June 2022
I am hopeful that as you read this edition of The Cultural Observer you are warm as this winter has been very chilly, with temperatures plummeting to close to zero degrees in some parts of the country. From our observations, it seems the wintry conditions do bring some opportunities for the creative sector as people gather indoors in warm places. Whether it is to listen to a live music band, watch a movie or being part of a poetry session sitting around a fire, there are opportunities for the consumption of our cultural goods.
As I write, the government, through the regulations announced by the Minister of Health, has removed virtually all the Covid-19 restrictions making it possible for the sector to be fully operational again. This bodes well for the recovery of the sector. As shown in our several sector reports over the last two years, the cultural and creative sector industries thrive in environments of social proximity and not social distance.
Over the last two months, our team at the South African Cultural Observatory has been criss-crossing the country sharing the findings of our latest reports, most particularly the Mapping Study report, with the industry and the media. I have witnessed the hunger and the excitement that pervades the entire industry. Cultural practitioners are itching to get back to the full mode of operation. Given the lockdown for the past two years, people want to go out and socialise. As people get the opportunity to go back and socialise, the majority will also be hungry for new cultural and creative products. They want to see new plays, listen to new music tunes at live shows, touch and feel new craft and sculptures or visit an art exhibition.
This essentially means there is likely to be higher demand for the products and services that are produced by our industry. The industry should thus take advantage of this demand surge even in the mist of the challenges that have been imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the depressed economic environment. It is time to dust-off our tools and get to work.
In the last edition, we spotlighted the Mapping Study report, and I mentioned my excitement with the profiling of the cultural and creative industry sector in the various provinces. In this edition, we have provided detailed highlights of the provincial profiles. This is in addition to the highlight of the key findings on the South African’s Animation Industry: Ecosystem Analysis report.
It will be amiss if I didn’t mention that the South African Cultural Observatory International Conference which we hosted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic is scheduled to return before the end of the year. Details of the conference will be announced in the next few weeks, so be on the lookout.
It is my hope that you will find this edition of The Cultural Observer as informative as the previous ones.
Until then,
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.
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As 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.
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THE 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.
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South 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.
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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.
