South African Cultural Observatory

Research is the word: What's done, what's to come

BY 31.10.18

THE SOUTH African Cultural Observatory has a trove of research. Over the past three years we have generated research reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, a ground-breaking mapping study and more. We are intent on sharing this research widely and ensuring that the sector benefits, empowering through knowledge. With the new contract in place, we also have a suite of upcoming research topics to cover in the next six months. Here is a sneak peak at what's coming and a summary of what's been done. 

SACO Research To Date 

In the past three years we have generated new knowledge on the South African creative economy, mainly focusing on:

  1. Developing a National Research Agenda to guide all research across the ACH sectors and CCIs.
  2. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of DAC’s Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy funding and on measuring the impact of cultural events.
  3. Developing frameworks for: M&E of Publically Funded ACH projects; Cultural Seasons; and Cultural Statistics; and Cultural Diplomacy.
  4. The development of the free, online South African Festivals Economic Impact Calculator.
  5. A major mapping study to understand the South African CCIs and creative economy by looking at:
    1. Trade in cultural goods
    2. Employment
    3. Macro-economic impact assessment and analysis
    4. Provincial location and clusters
    5. Transformation, ownership and employment.
  6. In addition, we developed a large body of additional research and concept notes to guide the development of cultural policy; including an assessment of the current iteration of the Revised White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage (2017).

All this and more is available in the SACO online library, free for download: https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/document-library 

SACO Upcoming Research

We have identified a number of key research areas for upcoming research - policy, papers, planning, strategy and capacity building - taking us to the end of March 2019. Some of the topics and research areas include: 

  • Youth, women and people with disabilities research paper
  • Cultural trade with Africa research paper
  • The gaming sector in South Africa
  • Funding of the Arts & Culture sector in South Africa 
  • The contribution of the craft sector to growth, with a focus on youth
  • Fourth Industrial Revolution and the CCIs in South Africa: Policy implications 
  • Global copyright law and the impact on South African creatives 
  • Intellectual property rights in the South African music industry

Watch this exciting research space! 

Also, take a look at the National Research Agenda and comment on it, or add to it, here: https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/national-research-agenda

Until then, 

Unathi Lutshaba

Executive Director: South African Cultural Observatory

More News
5th SACO International Conference 2025 5th SACO International Conference 2025

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is proud to announce that preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated 5th SACO International Conference, set to take place on the 5th and 6th of November 2025 in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, and the registration and abstract submissions for the upcoming conference are now officially open!

Call for Applications: SACO Scholarship 2026–2027 Call for Applications: SACO Scholarship 2026–2027

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) has announced a new opportunity for aspiring scholars in the cultural and creative sectors through its 2025–2027 Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.

While Athletes Break Records, South African Artists Break Barriers While Athletes Break Records, South African Artists Break Barriers

As South African athletes lit up stadiums and arenas across the globe with history-making victories, the nation’s creative and cultural practitioners were making just as powerful an impact on the world’s stages, galleries, and award ceremonies.

Youth Day 2025: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present and Shaping the Future Youth Day 2025: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present and Shaping the Future

On June 16, 2025, South Africa commemorates the 49th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, a significant moment in the nation's history where thousands of black students protested the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools.

My Sector, My Africa. My Sector, My Africa.

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.

Connect with us