Due to the Covid-19 restrictions most industry events and activities have either been cancelled or largely held online since April 2020. The South African Cultural Observatory has similarly been affected by these restrictions and has for the past two years taken to releasing reports and conducting our workshops online.
For the first time in two years, the South African Cultural Observatory held its first public event in Soweto at Just Badela Food and Wine on Friday, 22 October 2021 where we released the latest report on the Impact of Covid-19 crisis on the cultural and creative industries (the report is featured in this newsletter edition).
Predominantly intended and designed to offer the media an opportunity to interact with the authors of the report, the event was open and attended by cultural practitioners, government officials and members of the public. Members of the media and those participating at the event got the first glimpse of the report presented by lead authors, Professor Jen Snowball and Dr Andre Gouws while also getting a first-hand account from the Artistic Director of the Market Theatre, James Ngcobo on how the Market Theatre (as one of the cultural institutions severely affected by Covid-19) has responded to the limitations and the new environment imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The format of the event allowed for unlimited questions on the report, while encouraging open interaction about the work of the SA Cultural Observatory between members of the media, cultural practitioners, authors and SACO members, including the Executive Director, Ms Unathi Lutshaba who was the host of the event.
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
READ MOREOn 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.
READ MOREGqeberha, 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.
READ MOREThe South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) released its latest SOUTH AFRICAN FESTIVAL ECONOMIC IMPACT CALCULATOR (SAFEIC) version 2.
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.