Executive Direction - March 2019
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. Since our return in September 2018, we have generated a great outline of research reports, which aim to respond to pertinent issues concerning the Cultural and Creative Industries in our country. The Observatory is fully committed to the delivery and publicizing of its research outputs ensuring that the sector fully benefits from the knowledge generated.
During the 2018/19 period, SA Cultural Observatory has successfully delivered research outputs in line with the Research Agenda and Department of Arts and Culture’s priorities in record time - only six months. And we look forward to getting our teeth into the plethora of deliverables scheduled for the next financial period.
We remain optimistic that the second year will be filled with activity and opportunities for the SA Cultural Observatory to continue building its reputation as a critical generator of industry-relevant knowledge. The delivery of SA Cultural Observatory’s upcoming dissemination and capacity building workshops will continue to draw attention to the work being carried out by the Observatory. These workshops also highlight the important role played by the Department and role of the sector in the South African economy.
The momentum has peaked at SA Cultural Observatory as we expand our reach with our together with our three partner universities (UKZN, Rhodes and Forthare). A number of internal university launches were held at the start of our new contract by all our academic institutions to raise the profile of and encourage involvement from their various departments in this project. The support was overwhelming and has since led to significant expanded academic networks.
Keep on watching this exciting space!
Until then,
Unathi Lutshaba
Executive Director: South African Cultural Observatory
2019. What a year it was. It has been an exciting year for the Arts, Heritage, Cultural and Creative sector.
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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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This year the International Women’s Day theme was #BalanceforBetter. It essentially talks to a balanced world being a better world.
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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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How international trade can unlock the potential of the cultural economy in developing countries
There is growing interest in the creative economy in emerging markets in terms of its impact on employment and economic growth, as well as social and cultural impacts.
Unlocking the Growth Potential of the Online Gaming Industry in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
In 2018, the global gaming industry consisted of 2.3 billion consumers, who spent nearly US$ 138 billion on games. Although the South African gaming industry is small, it is growing at an exponential rate.
Policy Implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution for the Cultural and Creative Economy
Future developments within the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th Industrial Revolution) entails a high level of complexity and uncertainty, particularly in relation to global economics of scale that indirectly have an impact on the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
The Mapping Study 2018
Every two years the Observatory undertakes an in-depth sector-wide economic study - the Mapping Study. In 2018, we produced a key report that analyses the entire sector, particularly as it relates to its contribution to the SA economy and GDP.
South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator
Summer is upon us and many event organisers are hard at work doing their best to ensure that they deliver the most memorable events.
SACO Capacity Workshop - Kwazulu Natal
| Date: | 25 Feb 2020 - 25 Feb 2020 |
| Venue: | |
| Where: | Durban |
SACO Dissemination Workshop - Kimberley
| Date: | 10 Mar 2020 - 10 Mar 2020 |
| Venue: | Mayibuye Cultural Centre |
| Where: | Galeshewe |
SACO Dissemination Workshop - Groot Marico
| Date: | 12 Mar 2020 - 12 Mar 2020 |
| Venue: | HC Bosman Living Museum |
| Where: | Groot Marico |
SACO Capacity Workshop - Bloemfontein
| Date: | 12 Mar 2020 - 12 Mar 2020 |
| Venue: | Chancellors Room - University of the Free State |
| Where: | Bloemfontein |
SACO Dissemination Workshop - Polokwane
| Date: | 17 Mar 2020 - 17 Mar 2020 |
| Venue: | Polokwane Art Museum |
| Where: | Polokwane |
SACO Dissemination Workshop - Matsulu
| Date: | 19 Mar 2020 - 19 Mar 2020 |
| Venue: | Silulu Cultural Centre |
| Where: | Matsulu |
