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
Africa Month, celebrated annually in May, holds signifificant importance for the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in South Africa and across the continent. This month serves as a platform to promote unity and cooperation among African nations and reflflects South Africa's rich cultural heritage and artistic expression.
EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – have launched Spaces of Culture 2025, a call for proposals, supporting seven new cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is an evolution of the European Spaces of Culture programme and prioritises collaboration, dialogue, and mutual learning between European and local partners. Spaces of Culture is part of the wider Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), which aims to encourage cooperation between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals.
I am filled with immense pride and excitement, as we prepare to host the 5th South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) International Conference. This year marks a significant milestone for us, not only as an organisation, but also as a collective of thinkers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
Since being appointed as Minister of Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) in 2024, Minister Gayton McKenzie has been vocal about his vision for the department, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and the modernization of South Africa’s sports and cultural sectors. (VAR) technology to South African football.
Prof. Willie Chinyamurindi addresses the challenges and opportunities within the creative and cultural industries, particularly in relation to decent work and funding.