Research
There is an immense body of work and research on the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and arts, culture and heritage (ACH) emerging around the world.
The South African Government, through the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, its entities and the South African Cultural Observatory, is building a bank of research on these sectors and industries.
This section of the South African Cultural Observatory website features both the latest research coming from the international, regional and local sectors, and past research from across the world and sectors.
Explore this digital library to find CCI and ACH publications, reports, frameworks and guides, presentations, working papers, multi-media and other open source information on this vibrant sector, the Golden Economy of nations.
Also contribute to South Africa’s National Research agenda for the CCIs and ACH sectors here.
- SACO Research Papers
- Mapping Study
- 2022
Chapter 5 Creative Economy in Historical Context 06.04.22 (DOCX 0.64MB)
An important part of understanding the creative economy is the ability to track developments over longer time periods. Chapter 5 of the Mapping Study provides longer-term analysis of the contribution of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) to South Africa’s GDP, employment and transformation, and international trade in cultural goods. Data is from a variety of national and international databases that provide reliable national data over time (further described in Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Mapping Study).
Chapter 4 Provincial Profiles 06.04.22 (DOCX 10.91MB)
The size and composition of the creative economy at a provincial level is an important aim of the mapping study since much cultural policy is applied sub-nationally. This chapter augments Chapters 1 (The macroeconomic impact of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in South Africa), 2 (Cultural Employment and Transformation) and 3 (International Trade in Cultural Goods and Services).
Chapter 2 Employment and Transformation 06.04.22 (DOCX 27.62MB)
This report forms one chapter of the SACO 2022 CCI Mapping Study. Aims were to analyse the number and proportion of people in South Africa who are employed in the cultural economy, as well as changes in the size, transformation, age, gender, education levels and working conditions of those in cultural occupations since the last mapping study, using official national data sets from Statistics South Africa. A special focus of this report is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cultural and creative industry workers in 2020. Methods used to identify cultural occupations and industries are those set out in the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics (UNESCO, 2009) and the recent UNESCO Indicators for Culture 2030, adapted for South Africa (Hadisi and Snowball, 2016).
Chapter 1 Macroeconomic impact of CCIs in South Africa 06.04.22 (DOCX 1.39MB)
This first chapter of the 2020 Cultural and Creative Industries Mapping Study estimates the macroeconomic contribution of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, including the performance of the domains (using the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics, 2009) over time. Information from official sources as well as reliable national databases was analysed using Input-Output modelling and a Social Accounting Matrix adapted for the CCIs.
- 2020
CCI Provincial Location and Cluster Report 11.06.21 (PDF 2.91MB)
This Research, Report 4, is the fourth in a series of five reports that forms deliverables of the 2020 economic mapping study. As it was the case with deliverables 2 and 3, this report is an update of a similar report that was produced in December 2017. It is important to note that the methodologica l approach undertaken for the 2020 study, was in line to the 2017 study except that the cluster analysis was extended and the mapping of the cluster analysis is also quantified for the various geographical location involved.
Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 11.06.21 (PDF 2.19MB)
This report forms one chapter of the SACO 2020 CCI Mapping Study. Aims were to analyse the number and proportion of people in South Africa who are employed in the cultural economy, as well as changes in the size, transformation, age, gender, education levels and working conditions of those in cultural occupations since the last mapping study, using official national data sets from Statistics South Africa. New analysis of the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), which covers a 20-year time period, was also included. Methods used to identify cultural occupations and industries are those set out in the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS, 2009) and the recent UNESCO Indicators for Culture 2030, adapted for South Africa (Hadisi and Snowball, 2016).
Macroeconomic Impact Assessment Modelling System 11.06.21 (PDF 1.31MB)
This study is intended as an update to a previous study undertaken by Conningarth Economists for the Nelson Mandela University. The two studies, which are the 2017/18 Economic Mapping Study as well as this current (2020) study, have the same objective of determining the economic impacts of the cultural and creative industries on the South African economy. Both studies apply the same basic modelling structure for economic impact analysis of the Cultural and Creative Industries with the principal difference being updated data inputs. The previous study relied to some extend on information from other Department of Sports Arts and Culture (DSAC) mapping studies. However this current study is based mainly on new datasets sourced from StatsSA.
Mapping Study 2019-20- Capstone Report 11.06.21 (PDF 1.25MB)
In many countries, the growing importance of the cultural and creative industries is increasingly being recognised. The cultural sector has always been acknowledged in contributing to important non-market goals, such as fostering identity formation through heritage, building social cohesion, as an important part of education, and for the intrinsic values of delight, contradiction, enjoyment and debate. More recently, the contribution of the CCIs to economic growth, transformation and jobs and international trade has also been acknowledged. In South Africa, this occurred through the “Mzansi’s Golden Economy” initiative, under which the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) was founded.
Summary Research Report 2 - CCI SAM and CSA 11.06.21 (PDF 0.49MB)
This summary report presents the key findings derived from the Technical Research Report
2: Cultural and Creative Industries Updated Satellite Account Embedded into an
Updated Social Accounting Matrix for South Africa to 2018 Prices.
Two of the key deliverables of this component of the broader study are:
• An Updated Cultural and Creative Industries Satellite Account (CSA) for South Africa; and
• An Updated Cultural and Creative Industries Social Accounting Matrix-based
Macroeconomic Impact Assessment Model (MEIAM).
In order to provide these deliverables, Conningarth Economists updated a Social Accounting
Matrix (SAM) that incorporates an internal Satellite Account (CSA) for the South African CCI
sector. This updated CCI SAM, along with its updated internal CSA, was then incorporated
into a proprietary Macroeconomic Impact Assessment Modelling System (MEIAM) that will
enable the Nelson Mandela University and DSAC to subject future CCI policy implementation
programs to compr
Technical Research Report 2_CCI SAM and CSA_2019 Update_Ver 1_3 Feb 2019 11.06.21 (PDF 1.95MB)
This report is an updated version of the original Research Report 2: Cultural and Creative Industries Satellite Account Embedded into a Social Accounting Matrix for South Africa that was produced in December 2017, and which was the second in a series of five reports that were produced in 2017 in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture (DSAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) that the scope of work and deliverables for this research study be presented in five separate reports.
This current study is conducted under the auspices of the Nelson Mandela University in partnership with Rhodes University, University of Fort Hare, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Technical Research Report 4_CCI Provincial Location and Cluster Report_04 May 2020 - (v.2) 11.06.21 (PDF 2.48MB)
In 2017/18, Conningarth Economists undertook an Economic Mapping Study for the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to determine the impact of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) on the South African economy. This original study has now been updated to reflect more current information to 2020.
Both the original 2017/18 and this updated 2020 study apply the same basic modelling structure for economic impact analysis of the CCI, with the principal difference being updated data inputs. The previous study relied to some extend on information from other Department of Sports Arts and Culture (DSAC) mapping studies. However, this current study is based mainly on new datasets sourced from StatsSA.
- 2018
Transformation, ownership and employment in South Africa’s cultural and creative industry (CCI) and creative economy 22.06.22 (PDF 1.75MB)
The purpose of this study is to (a) highlight key macroeconomic findings relating to South Africa’s CCIs, and (b) provide interpretation and analysis of the data as it pertains to policy development and implementation in accordance with the 2011 National Development Plan (NDP) and relevant policy initiatives of the arts and culture department.
This report focuses on the topics of transformation, ownership, and employment in the CCIs of South Africa. In addressing these topics, a review has been undertaken of the NDP and the DAC Strategic Plan in order to provide a context for the transformation, ownership, and employment results presented in this document. In addition, a review has been undertaken of relevant reports provided by the DAC that address this topic, as well as a number of other published documents.
Macroeconomic impact assessment and analysis of SAs CCI and creative economy 22.06.22 (PDF 2.60MB)
The purpose of this study is to (a) highlight key macroeconomic findings relating to South Africa’s CCIs, and (b), provide interpretation and analysis of the data as it pertains to policy development and implementation in accordance with the 2011 National Development Plan and relevant DAC policy initiatives. It is important to recognise that policy development and implementation can only be subjected to macroeconomic impact assessment if a suitable macroeconomic impact assessment model is available. Furthermore, it is important to recognise that such a suitable macroeconomic impact assessment model must include a database of information that incorporates all of the relevant data required to perform comprehensive macroeconomic impact assessment of policy initiatives and implementation programs, which, in the case of this study, relate to the CCIs in South Africa.
SAs trade in cultural goods and services with a focus on cultural trade with BRICS partners 22.06.22 (PDF 1.89MB)
This report explores the growth and structure of South Africa’s cultural and creative industries trade, with a focus on the country’s trade with its BRICS partners. As part of a broader mapping study of South Africa’s cultural and creative sector, the report uses the trade classification system that is set out in the UNESCO (2009) Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS). More particularly, the study uses UN Comtrade data at the 6-digit level of the 2007 Harmonised System (HS) for the goods trade analysis. This allows for a direct mapping to the HS codes used to define cultural goods trade in the UNESCO (2009) FCS. It also allows for an investigation of intra-industry trade by domain. Increased intra-industry specialisation within particular sectors or domains can better harness the potential benefits of trade expansion and promote more balanced value added trade.
Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 22.06.22 (PDF 1.77MB)
This report used data from the Labour Market Dynamics Survey to determine the size of employment in cultural occupations and industries in South Africa in 2015. It made use of the UNESCO (2009) Framework for Cultural Statistics to define the sector. This includes people working in sectors traditionally classed as cultural or creative (such as fine art, performing art, film, museum, libraries, music, craft etc.) as well as the more commercial sectors (such as designers, architects, advertising and computer programming).
Summary Report - CCI Mapping - A Baseline 22.06.22 (PDF 1.38MB)
This Baseline Report encapsulates the main findings of a series of five (5) reports that have been prepared in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to support the development of a National Research Agenda (NRA) of the South African Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI). The research study is related to section 5.5 of the NRA, which proposes an economic mapping study of the CCIs in South Africa. The scope of work and deliverables for the study are presented in five separate reports. Table 1 below provides the broad details of the reports within which each research topic is addressed. The key findings of the mapping study are presented in this report that condenses each of the selected reports, identifies key research findings, and attempts to draw broad implications for South African policy-makers in order to support the growth and development of South Africa’s creative economy
South African Cci Mapping Study Review Of Methods 22.06.22 (PDF 0.93MB)
Mapping studies of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) can raise the profile of the CCIs, benchmark industry development, be used as evidence of the economic importance of the industry, and identify potential areas of growth and policy intervention. The aim of this report was to evaluate the methodology of the DAC (2014) Mapping Study, which was the first national mapping study in South Africa. Po
Mapping the South African Cultural Industries 22.06.22 (PDF 0.63MB)
Mapping studies are “living” documents that need to be updated and used in ways useful to industry stakeholders
What are CCI mapping studies? - Purpose: Varies widely, sometimes focusing on a whole country, or more narrowly on a specific cultural domain or sub?sector of the domain.
• Most commonly tracked indicators include:
• Number and geographical distribution of firms in the industry;
• Firm characteristics by sub?group including industry structure (cluster
analysis), legal organisation and concentration;
• Contributions to the economy (production, productivity or value added;
contribution to tax);
• Employment (direct & indirect);
• Trade (exports and imports)
5th December 2017
Mapping Study - Visual Arts and Crafts 22.06.22 (PDF 0.41MB)
In 2014, the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC, 2014) commissioned a Mapping Study of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), conducted by the research consulting company, Plus 94. A definition of CCIs based on the UNESCO (2009) cultural domains was used and included: Cultural and Natural Heritage; Performance and Celebration, Visual Arts and Crafts, Information, Books and Press; Audio-Visual and Interactive Media; and Design and Creative Services. The study estimated that there are between 25 000 and 30 000 CCI organisations in South Africa. A random sample of more than 2500 of these organisations was then interviewed by telephone. Results reported here are based on this data.
Mapping Study - Performance and Celebration 22.06.22 (PDF 0.40MB)
In 2014, the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC, 2014) commissioned a Mapping Study of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), conducted by the research consulting company, Plus 94. A definition of CCIs based on the UNESCO (2009) cultural domains was used and included: Cultural and Natural Heritage; Performance and Celebration, Visual Arts and Crafts, Information, Books and Press; Audio-Visual and Interactive Media; and Design and Creative Services. The study estimated that there are between 25 000 and 30 000 CCI organisations in South Africa. A random sample of more than 2500 of these organisations was then interviewed by telephone. Results reported here are based on this data.
Mapping Study - Design and Creative Services 22.06.22 (PDF 0.38MB)
In 2014, the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC, 2014) commissioned a Mapping Study of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), conducted by the research consulting company, Plus 94. A definition of CCIs based on the UNESCO (2009) cultural domains was used and included: Cultural and Natural Heritage; Performance and Celebration, Visual Arts and Crafts, Information, Books and Press; Audio-Visual and Interactive Media; and Design and Creative Services. The study estimated that there are between 25 000 and 30 000 CCI organisations in South Africa. A random sample of more than 2500 of these organisations was then interviewed by telephone. Results reported here are based on this data.
DAC CCI Mapping Study Methodology - Assessment 22.06.22 (PDF 0.23MB)
As Cultural Observatory researchers have worked through the DAC (2014) Mapping Study methodology and raw data, a number of issues have emerged. Some of these are things that relate to research design: They are not necessarily wrong, but need careful thought before another study is run (Part A below). Others are related to the way the data was captured and analysed, and do call into question the reliability of the results (Part B below). This last (incorrect data coding and classification into the UNESCO categories) is what makes the study less reliable. It should be noted that errors were not evident in the report itself, but were only discovered on closer examination of the raw data files provided by Plus94.
- CCIs and/or ACH sectors generally
- 2022
- 2021
Research Agenda 2021-22 21.06.22 (PDF 1.86MB)
The purpose of this Research Agenda is to define and focus research efforts and resources towards achieving outputs that would enhance the development of the Arts, Heritage, Cultural and Creative Sectors in South Africa as well as the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its stakeholders.
SACO PESP SURVEY REPORT 21.06.22 (PDF 0.96MB)
The SACO PESP ran from the 30th August to the 15th December 2021.
A survey was circulated to all SACO PESP participants (artists and mentors) following the completion of the training programme. The purpose of the survey was to gain feedback from the participants and insight into the programme, to understand where, in the opinion of these beneficiaries, the programme had succeeded in delivering what was intended, where it may have failed to do so and where improvements could be made should the programme be repeated.
The survey ran for approximately 17 days (19 November – 5 December. We contacted 899 beneficiaries of the SACO PESP and received a positive response from 688 beneficiaries which represents a 77% response of those contacted.
Research Agenda 2020 to 2021 21.06.22 (PDF 1.38MB)
The purpose of this Research Agenda is to define and focus research efforts and resources towards achieving outputs that would enhance the development of the Arts, Heritage, Cultural and Creative Sectors in South Africa as well as the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its stakeholders.
- 2020
Research Agenda 2020 to 2021 23.06.22 (PDF 1.38MB)
The purpose of this Research Agenda is to define and focus research efforts and resources towards achieving outputs that would enhance the development of the Arts, Heritage,
Cultural and Creative Sectors in South Africa as well as the policy imperativesofthe South AfricanGovernment and its stakeholders.
COPYRIGHT - Public and stakeholder perceptions and concerns on current copyright and performers legislation and proposed amendments 23.06.22 (PDF 1.23MB)
The main goals of the research are to: (1) Provide an overview of the current documented positions being taken by parties supporting and opposing the legislation (including but not limited to “fair use versus fair dealing” as well as retrospective clauses) being held by stakeholders within and outside of the Cultural and Creative Industries); (2) Identify the key points of agreement and contention; (3) Identify the possible economic impact of the proposed implementation based on the points of agreement and/or contention; (4) Identify which positions are the most beneficial to the South African economy and the Cultural and Creative Sector; and, (5) Propose a consolidated DSAC policy position.
KDI Report COVID_19 Impacts on Sport Businesses 23.06.22 (PDF 1.81MB)
The sports sector is one of the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with widespread cancellations and/ or suspension of sporting activities. In this context, the study assesses the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the sports sector in South Africa. Results emanating from an online sport-related business/ organisation survey (817 completed surveys) are presented. A consumer (public/ fan survey) survey examining sport participation and perceived sport business impacts is underway and will be integrated into the report once completed.
Cultural Participation and Consumption in South Africa - A Demand-side report 23.06.22 (PDF 1.14MB)
There is a great deal of international research on factors that determine the levels of participation in, and consumption of, cultural activities. However, there has been no overall study of cultural participation or consumption in South Africa to date. This quantitative research used the latest publically available All Media Products Survey (2015), which had responses from more than 25 000 individuals living in metropolitan areas, to analyse South African cultural participation and consumption patterns across a wide range of cultural and creative goods and services.
KDI_Measuring the Impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the CCI sector 23.06.22 (PDF 1.68MB)
Near the start of the lockdown, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) ran an online survey to find out what impact the measures to manage the COVID-19 virus were having on businesses and freelancers in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), the adaptation strategies that the sector was using, and the most useful kinds of support that could be provided. The survey ran from the 30th of March to the 4th of May 2020, and thus provides an early assessment of the impact of the shutdown on the sector. 595 useable responses from all parts of the sector, which includes performing arts, heritage, publishing, music, film and video, design, and support activities were received.
Measuring private sector support for the CCI 23.06.22 (PDF 0.43MB)
A key orientation of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) strategy is to unlock the potential of the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) to substantially contribute to economic growth and job creation in South Africa, which can be attained if the sector is adequately supported. This paper adopted a desktop study (examining relevant literature, reports and extracting Corporate Social Investment (CSI) information from Top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies’ annual Integrated Financial Reports for the 2016-2018 reporting years) to discuss key debates and issues pertaining to private sector funding of the CCI in South Africa. This is undertaken in the context that the continued dominance of public sector funding for the CCI raises sustainability concerns, and that it is imperative that private sector funding is leveraged by the arts and culture sector to reduce dependency on government funding. This will further unlock the potential for the CCI to contri
The Development of a South African Cultural Export Strategy 23.06.22 (PDF 4.40MB)
South Africa has a rich and diverse cultural heritage and has produced many gifted artists. Culture, besides its immense non-material significance, is a valuable economic asset and can be exploited to the benefit of all South Africans. Many artists have become internationally successful and contribute to South Africa’s export earnings. South Africa’s exports are not meeting the targets set out South Africa’s strategic plans and clearly there is an imperative that exports, including the export of CCIs, must increase.
Youth, women and people living with disabilities - A Landscape Assessment of the CCI’s Readiness to Address the Needs of Persons with Disabilities (2) 23.06.22 (PDF 0.85MB)
The importance of the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) to job creation and economic growth, social cohesion and inclusivity, and cultural preservation are well established nationally and globally. Concerning the policy and legislative context, ensuring the vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, participate in and benefit from the CCI are core principles enshrined by the United Nations (as articulated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - CRPD), South Africa’s National Development Programme (NDP) and Mid Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), which align to human rights. However, despite laudable policy and programme intentions, challenges remain to ensure that disadvantaged groups (including persons with disabilities) participate and benefit equally from the opportunities in South Africa’s CCI sector, including access to facilities, services and support/ funding provided. Challenges are aggra
Commissioned Research Creative Cities in Metropolitan areas 24.06.22 (PDF 1.20MB)
South Africa has three UNESCO recognised creative cities: Cape Town (design), Overstrand (gastronomy) and Durban (literature). Creative cities go beyond cultural and creative industry aspects and include broader issues pertaining to innovations and seeking creative solutions to urban challenges, which occur at three levels: upperground, underground and middleground. In South Africa, there is limited but extremely useful research that focuses on creative cities that this study draws on. In this context, this study critically examines current scholarly literature on creative cities generally and in South Africa specifically, focusing on opportunities and challenges and socio-economic benefits associated with creative cities. A desktop study approach is adopted that examines policy documents, research reports and academic sources.
capstonereportfinaldesigncontent 23.06.22 (PDF 1.85MB)
The Capstone Report is based on the three main quantitative chapters of the Economic Mapping study of the Cultural and Creative Industries 2020:
Report 1: Macroeconomic Impact Assessment Modelling System and Impact Analysis of the Culture and Creative Industries. Produced by Conningarth Economists, for the South African Cultural Observatory.
Report 2: South Africa’s international trade in cultural products: A focus on trade with the EU in a comparative regional setting. Cattaneo, N. and Snowball, J. Rhodes University, for the South African Cultural Observatory.
Report 3: Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa. Hadisi, S. (Independent Economist Consultant, and Research Associate at Political Economy Southern Africa) and Snowball, J. Rhodes University, for the South African Cultural Observatory.
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Don’t let Covid-19 kill SA’s cultural sector and its economic value
Technical Research Report 2_CCI SAM and CSA_2019 Update_Ver 1_3 Feb 2019 23.06.22 (PDF 1.95MB)
This report is an updated version of the original Research Report 2: Cultural and Creative Industries Satellite Account Embedded into a Social Accounting Matrix for South Africa that was produced in December 2017, and which was the second in a series of five reports that were produced in 2017 in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture (DSAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) that the scope of work and deliverables for this research study be presented in five separate reports. This current study is conducted under the auspices of the Nelson Mandela University in partnership with Rhodes University, University of Fort Hare, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Transformation, ownership and employment in South Africa’s cultural and creative industry (CCI) and creative economy 23.06.22 (PDF 1.75MB)
This Research Report 5 is the final in a series of five reports that have been produced in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to support the development of a National Research Agenda (NRA) for the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) of South Africa. The scope of work and deliverables for this research study are presented in 5 separate reports, as well as an additional report which provides a synthesis of the main findings of the entire study. Table 1 below reflects the scope of work undertaken in this report and the broad details of the various other reports within which each research topic is addressed.
- 2019
Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 03.06.22 (PDF 2.95MB)
This report forms one chapter of the SACO 2020 CCI Mapping Study. Aims were to analyse the number and proportion of people in South Africa who are employed in the cultural economy, as well as changes in the size, transformation, age, gender, education levels and working conditions of those in cultural occupations since the last mapping study, using official national data sets from Statistics South Africa. New analysis of the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), which covers a 20-year time period, was also included. Methods used to identify cultural occupations and industries are those set out in the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS, 2009) and the recent UNESCO Indicators for Culture 2030, adapted for South Africa (Hadisi and Snowball, 2016).
Impact Study of the DSAC Funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme 03.06.22 (PDF 1.16MB)
DSAC has had a strategic partnership with BASA since 1997, a NPC to support the arts sector, specifically in relation to the DSAC funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme and Debut Programme which recently started in 2017. In the last 6 years the number of beneficiaries ranged from 63 in 2017 and 2019 to 99 in 2015 for the Supporting Grants Programme and declined from 197 in 2017 to 14 in 2019 for the Debut Programme. This study was intended assess the impact of DSAC funding to BASA in relation to the arts sector. However, methodological challenges were experienced in relation to beneficiary survey completion, with only 12 beneficiaries responding. The generalisability of the beneficiary survey results is therefore compromised.
Overlap between the digital and creative sectors 03.06.22 (PDF 1.08MB)
This research examines the nexus between digital technologies, innovation, intellectual property, and diversity in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). It is part of an international collaboration between SACO and researchers at Coventry and Newcastle Universities.
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Fair Use versus Fair Dealing Implications for the Cultural and Creative Industries 03.06.22 (PDF 0.68MB)
This research report explored which of the two models of exceptions and limitations in copyright- fair dealing and fair use is appropriate for South Africa in the aftermath of the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) that is an outcome of the reform of the Copyright Act 1978 (CA 1978). Section 12A of the CAB that provides for fair use of copyright works will replace section 12(1) of the CA that provides for a fair dealing of copyright works as an exception and limitation.
The Nexus Between Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism And Sports – Policy Implications 03.06.22 (DOCX 0.78MB)
This paper draws on relevant literature and documents to examine the nexus between the arts, culture, heritage, tourism and sports; with special focus on policy implications. This is timely given the recent mergers of the National Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR) with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) into the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) which is indicative of the growing recognition of the relationships as well as potential to enhance socio-economic opportunities associated with the arenas of arts and culture (which includes heritage) and sports, as well as the tourism sector. A desktop study was primarily used to examine policy documents, research reports and academic sources.
KDI Report - Impact Study of the DSAC Funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme.-1 03.06.22 (PDF 1.51MB)
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has had a strategic partnership with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), a non-profit company (NPC) to support the arts sector, specifically in relation to the DSAC funded BASA Supporting Grant programmes. DAC (2017) proposes that entities funded by the Department, such as BASA, be registered as a NPC rather than public entities to reduce compliance requirements of the Public Finance Management Act. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been commissioned to conduct an impact study of DSAC’s funding to BASA to support the arts sector for the past six years. The results are intended to inform future decisions (including policy formulation and revision as well as activities and projects to fund) relating to the DSAC’s support of the arts sector.
The Role of Venture Capital in Promoting the Cultural And Creative Industry (CCI) 03.06.22 (DOCX 0.57MB)
This paper examined relevant literature and documents to provide an overview of the role of venture capital in promoting the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI). The CCI contributes substantially to the economy and has the potential to further contribute to social cohesion, job creation and socio-economic development. This research is undertaken in the context that globally (and this is of major issue in South Africa) there is a high reliance on public funding to support the CCI that raises sustainability concerns. The paper critically examines current scholarly literature and reports on the role of venture capital to promote and support the CCI sector. Specifically, venture capital financing needs and trends in relation to the CCI sector are identified, current sources and future opportunities of venture capital support for the CCI sector are assessed, the types of support provided by venture capital to the CCI sector are established, and implications and challenges associated with v
Government funding of CCIs 03.06.22 (PDF 1.30MB)
There is growing recognition as articulated by Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) that the South Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industry/ Sector (CCI) substantially contributes to the economy and if adequately supported, can have a greater impact. DAC’s strategy is also to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. It is important to note, however, that “culture-led economic growth has proved highly unequal in the distribution of benefits” (Bell and Oakley, 2015: 5). They further indicate the cultural production tends to be concentrated in large urban areas and are often geographically biased towards wealthier areas and those with larger populations.
The Employment of Youth and Women in Cultural Occupations 03.06.22 (PDF 1.69MB)
In October 2018, the South African government held a high-profile Jobs Summit. In addition to acknowledging the challenges of the high South African unemployment rates overall, President Ramaphosa mentioned the importance of job creation for youth (15 – 34 years old) and women specifically. Statistics South Africa Quarterly Labour Force Survey (2018) showed that unemployment rates amongst young people have reached 39.3%. The figure is even higher for young black African women who are attempting to enter the labour market (45.9%).
The potential of “Creative Cities” for regional Development in non-metropolitan areas - The case of the Makhanda Creative City project 25.06.22 (PDF 1.55MB)
A ‘creative city’ is a socio-economic term used to describe cities that foster and develop cultural and creative economic activity. The growing realisation that the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) can contribute to job creation and economic growth has focused attention on the role of creative cities in regional development strategies. However, studies to date have mostly focused on large metropolitan areas. The Creative City development project in Makhanda was launched in January 2014 by the National Arts Festival office, in partnership with local government and international funders. However, Makhanda is a small city, situated in one of the poorer provinces in the country. The goal of this research was thus to make an objective assessment of the extent to which the Makhanda Creative City project has been successful in terms of meetings its own goal, and as a regional development strategy.
- 2018
Artists in Schools - Research Report- FINAL 25.06.22 (PDF 2.25MB)
The social, economic, cultural and educational context of the 21st Century clearly demands new ways of thinking about the arts, culture and creativity. This thinking, whether in formal or informal learning, must assist all South Africans, particularly young people to become active and reflective participants in society and in their own learning. It is very clear that fostering creativity is a major priority in many areas of modern society.
Updated Research Agenda - Version 3 - March 2018 25.06.22 (PDF 1.61MB)
This Research Agenda represents an attempt by the Department of Arts and Culture to focus research efforts and resources towards achieving research outputs that would enhance the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa and to advance the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its key stakeholders.
20180926 Research Agenda Draft 2 (Incl. inputs from DAC) 25.06.22 (PDF 0.80MB)
The purpose of this Research Agenda is to define and focus research efforts and resources towards achieving research outputs that would enhance the development of the arts, heritage and cultural and creative sectors in South Africa and advance the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its key stakeholders.
Mapping the spatial distribution of government funding FINAL 25.06.22 (PDF 2.55MB)
One of the principles of sustainable development is the equitable distribution of public resources. In South Africa, this is linked to balanced regional development, that is: • Distribution of funding across all nine provinces, • Funding in rural areas and small towns, as well as metropolitan areas, • Within cities, a balance between funding cultural activities in formerly white central business districts (CBDs) and townships. Given the multicultural nature of South Africa
AU Trade Report 2018 final with summary 25.06.22 (PDF 1.66MB)
In 2016, SACO developed the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage. The Framework was developed specifically to evaluate the impact of cultural festivals and events which had received funding from the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE) programme. This report seeks to align the SACO Framework with the Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation (GWM&E) System, as well as the M&E strategies of the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). In addition, the report briefly describes the SACO Framework and, based on its application to a wide variety of cultural events and festivals, demonstrates how it measures cultural values and produces indicators that can feed into evaluations of the impact of the MGE programme. The SACO Framework operates at a different level from the GWM&E System, as it is specifically focused on improving the impact assessments of cultural festivals and events which had received MGE funding. These events and festivals have t
M & E Summative Report 25.06.22 (PDF 1.94MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the five sub-categories (National and Provincial Flagships, Festivals and Events, Touring Ventures, Public Arts and Miscellaneous) of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted.
M & E Policy Recommendations Report - FINAL 25.06.22 (PDF 1.53MB)
The focus of this Research Report is the policy recommendations emanating from the findings of the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme evaluation. The methodological approach adopted for the policy review was to conduct a desktop study focusing on the key DAC MGE policies and strategies, guidelines and process documents, followed by a review of implementation and compliance in relation to Reports 1-6 (5 category reports and 1 summative report). The desktop study was supplemented by engagement with DAC officials during a consultative meeting focusing on their knowledgeability of the DAC MGE policies, guidelines and processes as well as challenges in relation to implementation and compliance.
Refined M and E Framework 2018 Report 25.06.22 (PDF 1.71MB)
In 2016, SACO developed the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage. The Framework was developed specifically to evaluate the impact of cultural festivals and events which had received funding from the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE) programme.
Mapping the spatial distribution of government funding FINAL 25.06.22 (PDF 2.52MB)
One of the principles of sustainable development is the equitable distribution of public resources. In South Africa, this is linked to balanced regional development, that is: • Distribution of funding across all nine provinces, • Funding in rural areas and small towns, as well as metropolitan areas, • Within cities, a balance between funding cultural activities in formerly white central business districts (CBDs) and townships. Given the multicultural nature of South Africa, the distribution of funding is also linked to cultural diversity, and issues of social cohesion.
- 2017
Research Agenda 17-18 21.06.22 (PDF 1.61MB)
This Research Agenda represents an attempt by the Department of Arts and Culture to focus research efforts and resources towards achieving research outputs that would enhance the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries
in South Africa and to advance the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its key stakeholders.
South African Cci Mapping Study Review Of Methods 21.06.22 (PDF 0.93MB)
Mapping studies of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) can raise the profile of the CCIs, benchmark industry development, be used as evidence of the economic importance of the industry, and identify potential areas of growth and policy intervention. The aim of this report was to evaluate the methodology of the DAC (2014) Mapping Study, which was the first national mapping study in South Africa.
Transformation Ownership and Employment in South Africas CCIs and Creative Economy 21.06.22 (PDF 1.79MB)
This Research Report 5 is the final in a series of five reports that have been produced in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to support the development of a National Research Agenda (NRA) for the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) of South Africa. The scope of work and deliverables for this research study are presented in 5 separate reports, as well as an additional report which provides a synthesis of the main findings of the entire study.
SAs Trade in Cultural Goods and Services - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 1.52MB)
This report sets out to examine the growth and structure of South Africa’s cultural and creative industries trade between 2007 and 2016, with a focus on the country’s trade with its BRICS partners. It makes use of the UNESCO (2009) Framework for Cultural Statistics to define the sector.
Publication Report - Rethinking Culture - FINAL 21.06.22 (PDF 1.34MB)
This Discussion Paper seeks to serve as a provocation in “Rethinking Culture” and will seek to do three things in particular: (1) identify some of the key themes in contemporary cultural policy globally and regionally and interrogate their relevance to African and South African conditions; (2) make recommendations for core cultural policies that are most relevant to the material, political, social and cultural conditions of South Africa, especially to the paradigm of “development”; and,
(3) be accessible to a wide audience including non-academic cultural activists, creative practitioners, government policy makers and others who may not have the time, inclination or resources to undertake extensive research and reading, but who require sufficient information and perspectives to consider – and perhaps be persuaded - by this document’s key arguments.
Intellectual Property in the CCIs - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 1.56MB)
This study is primarily comprised of desk-based research, and presents a synthesis and analysis of the wealth of existing literature on the complex and intertwined fields of Intellectual Property and the Creative and Cultural Industries in South Africa. The report outlines key areas of contention both globally and locally in these fields, taking cognizance of the importance of viewing South Africa as a developing country, and thus affected by the developing/ developed polarities in global trade and IPRs, but also recognizing the particularities of the South African context as an emerging economy with strong legal and financial infrastructure.
Employment in the CCIs in South Africa - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 1.82MB)
This report used data from the Labour Market Dynamics Survey to determine the size of employment in cultural occupations and industries in South Africa in 2015. It made use of the UNESCO (2009) Framework for Cultural Statistics to define the sector. This includes people working in sectors traditionally classed as cultural or creative (such as fine art, performing art, film, museum, libraries, music, craft etc.) as well as the more commercial sectors (such as designers, architects, advertising and computer programming).
Cultural Seasons Framework 21.06.22 (PDF 0.48MB)
The purpose of the Cultural Seasons Framework contained in this document is to: ensure alignment with strategic goals and policy imperatives associated with the Cultural Diplomacy portfolio of the South AfricanGovernment; standardise planning and implementation protocols across the Cultural Diplomacy portfolio; and, ensure compliance with governance, policy, performance and reporting requirements.
Proposed Policy Framework for Cultural Diplomacy in South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 1.32MB)
The purpose of this document is to translate the main findings of the SACO baseline report entitled "South Africa: Cultural Diplomacy and the National Interest" into a government-wide policy framework to advance cultural diplomacy in South Africa. The proposed framework, amongst other things, calls for greater inter-departmental cooperation between key stakeholders – particularly the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) – and increased institutional capacity for implementing cultural programmes abroad that serve to advance South Africa’s foreign policy objectives.
M&E KDI Summary - Report (1) 21.06.22 (PDF 0.60MB)
This summative report provides an overview of the monitoring and evalution of six festivals and events funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE) initiative in 2016. It also provides a critical discussion of the Framework for the Monitoring and Evalution of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016) produced by the South African Cultural Observatory for the Department of Arts and Culture.
M & E KDI REPORT TOURING VENTURES 21.06.22 (PDF 2.02MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including Touring Ventures, the focus of this third report.
Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 1.77MB)
This report used data from the Labour Market Dynamics Survey to determine the size of employment in cultural occupations and industries in South Africa in 2015. It made use of the UNESCO (2009) Framework for Cultural Statistics to define the sector. This includes people working in sectors traditionally classed as cultural or creative (such as fine art, performing art, film, museum, libraries, music, craft etc.) as well as the more commercial sectors (such as designers, architects, advertising and computer programming).
A Guide to Using the Online South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator (SAFEIC) 21.06.22 (PDF 0.44MB)
Tourism events attract “new” money into the impact region and create direct and indirect impacts through re-spending of the initial injection. Economic impact studies attempt to answer the question, “If the event had not taken place, what would the loss of economic activity to the impact area have been?” An economic impact study thus calculates all the additional economic activity that takes place in the region as a result of the event or festival.
A Creative & Cultural Industry Index For South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 2.34MB)
It is difficult to plot a way forward if you do not know where you are currently. With Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) understanding the status, is very complicated. Although most people think they know what the terms ‘cultural’ or ‘creative’ denote, once they commence defining CCIs, the real issues begin to appear. Even the definitions of creative and culture, when related to industries, have no clear definitions when applied globally, nationally and even locally in some instances. There is a continuum of products and services that may seem to be more cultural and others more creative. Another problem is the rapidly changing landscape that renders some creative products obsolete while introducing others. Coupled with technology, definition is often a shifting goal.
The mapping of the South African creative economy A baseline 21.06.22 (PDF 1.33MB)
This Baseline Report encapsulates the main findings of a series of five (5) reports that have been prepared in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to support the development of a National Research Agenda (NRA) of the South African Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI). The research study is related to section 5.5 of the NRA, which proposes an economic mapping study of the CCIs in South Africa. The scope of work and deliverables for the study are presented in five separate reports. Table 1 below provides the broad details of the reports within which each research topic is addressed. The key findings of the mapping study are presented in this report that condenses each of the selected reports, identifies key research findings, and attempts to draw broad implications for South African policy-makers in order to support the growth and development of South Africa’s creative economy.
Provincial Location and Clusters of Cultural and Creative Industries 21.06.22 (PDF 1.45MB)
This Research Report 4 is the fourth in a series of five reports that have been produced in response to a specific request from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) that the scope of work and deliverables for this research study be presented in five separate reports. The table in Section 1.4 below reflects the scope of work undertaken in this study and the names of the reports within which each research topic is addressed.
- 2016
Research Agenda 2016-17 21.06.22 (PDF 0.44MB)
This Research Agenda represents an attempt by the Department of Arts and Culture to focus research efforts and resources towards achieving research outputs that would enhance the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa and to advance the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its key stakeholders.
Realising The Economy of the Imagination - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 1.13MB)
This publication report looks to illustrate the contextual dimension of current and particularly future policy in regard to CCIs by focussing on selected theory, policy and practice in regard to industrial clusters and increased interest internationally in cluster approaches related to the creative and cultural industries. Insights gained from this exercise will then be applied to the South African situation.
The Role Of Ccis In Regenerating Urban And Rural Space And Economies In Sa - Final 21.06.22 (PDF 3.19MB)
The following report seeks to answer the following questions: What role to cultural and creative industries (CCIs) play in regenerating rural and urban space economies in South Africa? Can creativity and other aspects of the creative and cultural industries become driving forces in the development of urban centres or even rural areas?
The research approach is based on a case study methodology centred on the analysis of four South African examples of creative urban and rural environments. These include two urban settings: Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) and Cape Town (Western Cape) as well as two located in a rural setting: Hamburg and Nieu-Bethesda (both in the Eastern Cape). Several dimensions of analysis were then defined based on the existing theory, and then used to assess the respective case studies with the aim of identifying key lessons learnt.
Rural Cultural Policy - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 0.78MB)
This document analyses and assesses rural cultural policy in South Africa, and focuses specifically on defining how cultural policy applies to rural areas, and what form of cultural policy will be most suitable for the South African context. The document critically assesses the standard approach towards cultural policy, which is (in part) based on the approach that cultural and creative industries are vehicles for development. We point out that more work is needed regarding the rural cultural sector, for three reasons: (a) rural policies are often not visible enough in local government practice and are subsumed under different departments, and various private and public development agencies, (b) rural creative industries and heritage practitioners are located in the informal sector and therefore less visible, and (c) rural cultural and creative industry development for rural areas mostly takes place in urban zones. In order to assess regional dynamics, the document develops a basic pro
CCI Index for South Africa - Report 21.06.22 (PDF 2.34MB)
This report identifies the data that is available and the issues that may present problems. It also shows with whom partnerships should be initiated and concluded to develop and maintain the CCI Index.
A few indices are calculated to demonstrate some of the issues that may be experienced when developing the CCI Index. A proposed way
forward is also layout showing the sequencing of events that are necessary to develop a stable and robust South African CCI Index.
Transformation and job creation in the cultural and creative industries in South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 0.57MB)
The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) have been put forward by a number of authors as having great potential to create jobs and to be socially inclusive. Since artistic success is defined by individual talent, or merit, the CCIs should be one sector that is especially open to, and appreciative of, social diversity in terms of race, class, cultural group and gender. However, recent studies in both the UK and the US have revealed that employment in the CCIs is heavily dominated by middle class people, and is not nearly as diverse in terms of other characteristics, which is what had been expected.
Measuring Cultural Employment in South Africa A comparison between the UNESCO Guidelines 21.06.22 (PDF 0.83MB)
The cultural and creative industries are increasingly being recognised as making a significant contribution to employment. To date, there has been no systematic attempt to define and measure cultural sector employment in South Africa using national data. Analysis of such data could provide great insight into the magnitude of cultural sector employment in South Africa in comparison to the labour market overall, economic growth, and international trends in cultural employment. It would make a significant contribution to understanding the role and potential of the cultural sector in employment creation in the country.
Cultural Employment in South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 0.50MB)
The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) are attracting increasing attention worldwide as potential drivers of economic growth, innovation and job creation. The latter is particularly important in South Africa, which has very high unemployment rates. The first phase of this research was to adapt the UNESCO guidelines on defining cultural occupations for South Africa, using International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) codes. Following international trends, cultural occupations were defined to include both traditional cultural workers (such as writers, performing artists and sculptors) as well as those in the more commercial creative industries (such as architects and designers). “Cultural employment” includes those working in “cultural occupations”, both in the CCIs and outside of them, but does not include those working in CCIs in non-cultural jobs.
A Framework For Monitoring And Evaluation 21.06.22 (PDF 0.94MB)
The report sets out to develop and test a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for publically funded arts, culture and heritage projects. From a review of the international literature, three kinds of cultural value were identified: Economic, Social and Intrinsic. Debates around the relationship of these values to each other and to their relevance to cultural policy were reviewed. Using South African and international case studies, a variety of valuation methods were discussed.
- 2015
Research Agenda 2015-16 21.06.22 (PDF 0.96MB)
This Research Agenda represents an attempt by the Department of Arts and Culture to focus research efforts and resources towards achieving research outputs that would
enhance the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa and to advance the policy imperatives of the South African Government and its key stakeholders.
- Cultural Domain - Performance and Celebration
- 2020
The Challenges of Pivoting to Digital The COVID-19 shut down and cultural festivals and events 03.06.22 (PDF 1.77MB)
The main aim of the research was to investigate the impact and effectiveness of the pivot to online operation of South African cultural festivals and events for organisers, artistic producers and audiences as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. The research methods included key stakeholder interviews with 13 South African festivals that had shifted their productions online as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, as well as an online audience survey of people who had participated in such online cultural festivals or events.
- 2019
The Role of Live Music Venues in Promoting and Developing South African Artist 18.06.21 (PDF 0.57MB)
The Cultural and Creative Industries have been found to contribute towards the national economy as well as the economic wellbeing of artists through providing viable alternative careers (Ambert 2003; Gibson and Homan 2007). In line with theme 4 and 5 of the SACO research agenda, this study was conceptualised against the background that live music venues contribute to the South African economy. Therefore, as a constituent of the Cultural and Creative Industries there is a need to determine the extent to which they contribute and enable the economic wellbeing of local artists. In addition, live music venues are an important aspect of the cultural and creative industry and thus it is paramount that the role they play in promoting and developing artists is appropriately mapped and put into context.
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - UMaskandi Festval 2019 18.06.21 (PDF 1.85MB)
The Indlamlenze Development Foundation organised for the first time the 2019 uMaskandi Festival which was held on the 30 March at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban/ eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The main aim of the Festival was to showcase maskandi music nationally and internationally. The findings reveal that most of the attendees were from KwaZulu-Natal (mainly from within the Durban/ eThekwini Municipality area). Mostly African males were in attendance from diverse income groups and educational backgrounds, with most attendees having completed secondary schooling.
- 2018
KDI Report - Udomo Entertainers Youth Dance Event 11.06.21 (PDF 0.33MB)
Monitoring and Evaluation can be important tools for both funders and arts practitioners in terms of demonstrating the value of the arts to communities and funders, accounting for the use of public funds, and designing policy interventions. The arts (broadly defined) result in three types of value: Economic (economic growth, employment, trade), Social (community development, social cohesion, inclusiveness) and Intrinsic (artistic quality, personal enlightenment, spiritual values).
KDI Report - South African Music Awards 11.06.21 (PDF 0.73MB)
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are the premier awards for the music industry in the country, regarded by some as the South African equivalent of the US Grammy Awards. 2016 was the 22nd year of the Awards, held in Durban on the 4th of June. According to organisers, the main aims of the SAMAs are: to promote local music; to recognise the contribution made by musicians to the music and entertainment industry; and to showcase South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and history through music. The 2016 SAMAs were attended by 4160 people, with the venue at full capacity. An analysis of Google Trends data showed that 2016 generated a record number of searches, indicating increased public interest.
- 2017
M & E - KDI REPORT FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 10.06.21 (PDF 2.00MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including Festivals and Events, the focus of this second report.
M & E - KDI REPORT FLAGSHIP EVENTS 10.06.21 (PDF 1.69MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including National and Provincial Flagships, the focus of this first report. National and Provincial Flagship Projects are large and small-scale local, provincial and national events that promote the arts, culture and heritage and that contribute to local economic development, job creation and the development of audiences. National Flagship Projects are projects that have an impact on a national level a
M & E KDI REPORT MISCELLANEOUS ARTS PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRES 10.06.21 (PDF 1.63MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including the Miscellaneous Arts Projects the focus of this fifth report.
Social Cohesion Indicator - Report 10.06.21 (PDF 1.20MB)
This report proposes the use of an internationally benchmarked approach to, and index of Social Cohesion for South Africa. The index will enable the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) to be able to measure its progress in respect of the achievement of Social Cohesion, both longitudinally of time, as well as in comparison to the performance of other, similar countries. The use of this index will provide a more efficient alternative to the current set of 23 indicators within the Department (and 88 within government as a whole) as found in the National Development Indicators (DPME, 2014).
Socio-Economic Impact of the 2017 Cape Town Carnival 10.06.21 (PDF 1.81MB)
The Cape Town Carnival was established in 2010. The theme for the 2017 Carnival was ‘Amaza – Ocean Odyssey.’ Main aims of the event included providing opportunities for community participation and networking, building social cohesion, and building tourism and job creation. Research design was based on the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016). Data was collected via interviews with audiences, data provided by organisers, and focus group discussions held with community participants in the parade.
KDI Report - Mahika Mahikeng Festival 11.06.21 (PDF 0.71MB)
The festival
includes drama,
music, dance and arts
and crafts;
? 2016 was the
second year in which
the festival took
place;
? The most popular
event was Jazz,
followed by
Motswako;
? 65% of attendees
were local residents;
? The average
length of stay for
non-local visitors was
1.5 nights and 2.35
days;
? 45% of visitors
came for 1 day and
did not stay
overnight;
? 1.3% of the
audience was from
Botswana;
? 77% agree that
the festival “makes
me feel proud of my
cultural heritage”;
? 32% strongly
agree and 45% agree
that “the festival is
part of what makes
Mahikeng a special
place”;
? Total Economic
Impact on Mahikeng
was calculated at
R7m.
KDI Report - MACUFE Festival 10.06.21 (PDF 0.64MB)
Using the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016), this study interviewed audiences and organisers to evaluate the 2016 MACUFE Festival. The Festival is managed by a private events company on behalf of the Free State Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and receives additional sponsorship from corporates, such as Standard Bank and Vodacom.
- 2016
M&E KDI Summary - Report 03.06.22 (PDF 0.63MB)
This summative report provides an overview of the monitoring and evalution of six festivals and events funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE) initiative in 2016. It also provides a critical discussion of the Framework for the Monitoring and Evalution of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016) produced by the South African Cultural Observatory for the Department of Arts and Culture.
KDI Report - Royal Heritage Festival In Vhembe 06.06.22 (PDF 0.75MB)
A large proportion of the participants were residents of Thohoyandou and other parts of Limpopo Province. In addition to valuing the impact of the Royal Heritage Festival (RHF), one of the aims of this research was to test the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at the events, using a structured questionnaire, in order to draw conclusions. It was possible only to estimate the economic impact (between R7.78m and R10.51m) since the data required was not made available by the due date for the submission of the report.
KDI Report - Indoni Festival 03.06.22 (PDF 0.55MB)
Indoni SA is a non-profit organisation with a focus on youth empowerment through the celebration of traditional African cultural heritage. The theme of the Indoni Youth Festival was “My Heritage, My Pride”. Using the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016), this study used interviews with audiences and organisers to evaluate the Festival.
- Cultural Domain - Cultural and Natural Heritage
- 2021
The impact of the heritage bursary 03.06.22 (PDF 1.59MB)
The SA Cultural Observatory (SACO) has commissioned an impact evaluation research report based on the heritage bursaries disbursed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) between the years 2015 - 2019. In support of SACO’s function as a statistical and research project with research findings that have an influence on policy within the arts, culture and heritage (ACH) and cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in South Africa, this impact evaluation is designed to provide valuable data about the reach and impact of this bursary scheme.
- 2020
The Value of the Repatriation of South African museum artefacts - Debates, Case Studies and a way forward (2) 10.06.21 (PDF 1.66MB)
This report sets out the results of an investigation of the strategic policy and implementation problems relating to the repatriation of South African cultural artefacts from museums and galleries around the world. The investigation provides an overview of the salient academic literature and legal landscape as well as the outcome of an online survey and focus group discussion. This benefitted from the input of key informants drawn principally from the museum and cultural organization ecosystem in the Republic of South Africa.
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Indigenous Knowledge as Content for the Cultural and Creative Industries 10.06.21 (PDF 0.99MB)
Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) constitute a major feature of contemporary world economies. Many governments have developed policies and legislation around CCIs. On one hand, the rationale has been to maximise economic gains from the CCIs whose contributions constitute significant portions of national GDPs and employment sectors. On the other hand, there is an endeavour to protect Intellectual Property (IP) rights as the knowledge economy places value on information, individual talent and skills in ways that benefit individuals and countries economically. However, IP laws have encountered challenges particularly in respect to the use and commercialisation of Indigenous Knowledge (IK), including in the CCI. However, what exactly do we mean by Indigenous Knowledge (IK)? All indigenous communities have a cultural heritage based on their history, gives meaning to their lives and defines their humanity. This cultural heritage consists of tangible, immovable, underwater and intangibl
- 2019
Quantifying the State of South African Museums from a Supply Side Perspective 04.06.21 (PDF 2.01MB)
Museums have a long, and sometimes controversial, history in South Africa. Cultural institutions, like museums, can be powerful in telling the “authorised” version of our histories, in shaping national identity and in building social cohesion, as well as contributing to education and research through their collection, archiving and conservation of artefacts. The aim of this report is to provide a succinct supply side overview of museums in South Africa, and some of the important issues and debates in the sector.
Language Studies Bursary Scheme Research Report – Nelson Mandela University 04.06.21 (PDF 1.84MB)
The aim of this research was to assess the impact of DAC Language Studies Bursaries on the students who received DAC Bursaries during the period 2015 to 2018. The Department of Arts and Culture is responsible for protection, preservations and support of the South African Arts, culture and heritage. To this end, bursaries were allocated made available to a number of student during the previously mentioned period in order to help the students complete their studies during the period under review. A structured questionnaire was used as a method of data collection. Two methods of data collection were applied, namely, emails and telephonic surveys. No sampling framework was formulated. The idea was to capture all students listed in the database. One hundred and ninety four (194) students were listed and only 94 could be reached and interviewed successfully.
Determining the state of cultural tourism in South Africa 04.06.21 (PDF 1.42MB)
This paper seeks to determine the state of cultural tourism from the lens of the South African context. In essence, apart from being descriptive in nature, the paper also seeks to be analytical in framing how cultural tourism as a field or sector of operation can be enhanced. Ultimately, through these aims of this paper, implications are made that can encourage domestic and international tourists in their full participation within activities linked to cultural tourism. This paper arrives to these aims and desired implications through a document analysis of empirical and non-empirical work documented around cultural tourism in South Africa. The document analysis allowed for a process of surveying the terrain of the field of cultural tourism in South Africa. Based on the document analysis, strategies are proposed in enhancing cultural tourism in South Africa not only as a field but also as a sector.
Quantifying the value and impact of Cultural Seasons (5) 04.06.21 (PDF 4.34MB)
Within the field of international relations, it is recognized that Cultural Diplomacy is a key diplomatic tool is used to advance their national interests by governments. Globalization links people, cities, regions and countries closer together that has led to our lives being intertwined with people in all parts of the world. Globalization has an impact on how diplomacy is executed and stresses the importance of Cultural Diplomacy.
- 2018
KDI Report - National Arts Festival 10.06.21 (PDF 0.53MB)
The South African National Arts Festival (NAF), is one of the oldest and largest mixed arts festivals in Africa. Research design was based on the Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (SACO, 2016), and on previous NAF studies. Data was collected via a carefully stratified sample of interviews and self-completion questionnaires. Results demonstrated that the M&E Framework is a satisfactory tool to gauge the extent to which a large festival attains it stated goals.
- 2017
Regional Development - The Cultural & Creative Industries in South Africa 04.06.21 (PDF 1.45MB)
There is growing international interest in how the cultural and creative industries can be used to drive regional economic growth and development. However, previous research has found that the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) usually form clusters in cities due to the benefits of established hard and soft infrastructure (Flew, 2010). To date, there has been little research on CCI clustering in rural areas and regions without large cities. This paper aims to fill the gap be demonstrating how mapping techniques can be used to identify regional clusters. Such information is important for the design of effective regional cultural policy.
- Cultural Domain - Visual Arts and Crafts
- 2019
Unpacking The Disparity Between Employment Levels And Contribution To GDP Within The Craft Sector 10.06.21 (PDF 1.09MB)
The Visual Arts and Craft are recognised in many countries as having the potential to create employment and contribute to GDP. The recent SACO mapping study of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in South Africa showed that the Visual Arts and Crafts Domain accounts for 53% of CCI jobs, but contributed only 8% of the GDP contribution of the CCIs. The aim of this report is to use national-level data to unpack the workings of the Visual Arts and Crafts (VAC) domain, and particularly the crafts sector, from a number of angles in order to gain a better understanding of its potential for development and the constraints faced by the sector.
Youths in the Craft Sector 10.06.21 (PDF 1.26MB)
The craft sector is attracting increasing attention in South Africa as a potential economic growth avenue anchored on technologically enhanced innovation and a driver for job creation. While this potential is exciting, the reality is that extracting value from the sector needs full understanding of its operational intricacies. For example, the crafts value chain is complex and requires specialised knowledge and skills set to be of economic value or cultural expression satisfaction. There is the provision of inputs (organic and synthetic), design, marketing, distribution, retail and consumption; all of which require specific industry training, expertise and capacity. These value chain relations are also highly contested and competitive, between producers, distributors and retailers.
Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities the Status of Women in the Audiovisual Sector 10.06.21 (DOCX 0.57MB)
The audiovisual sector is critically important to support cultural preservation, create jobs and drive broader economic growth. There is general consensus that the audiovisual sector is male-dominated and is characterised by high levels of gender inequalities. The key themes and debates that emanate from the literature review pertain to the roles that the audiovisual sector plays in reinforcing or challenging gender stereotypes and dominant patriarchal norms in society. Gender issues in the audiovisual sector are often embedded in broader discussions about workforce diversity and the cultural industries more generally. A diverse workforce does not only enhance social cohesion and equality but also makes business sense since different perspectives, experiences and interests can inform the development of new or enhanced products and services, open up market opportunities, improve market share and broaden an organisation’s customer base. Women as cultural producers are influenced by and
- 2018
KDI Report - NM Mabote Craft & Development Project 11.06.21 (PDF 0.32MB)
Monitoring and Evaluation can be important tools for both funders and arts practitioners in terms of demonstrating the value of the arts to communities and funders, accounting for the use of public funds, and designing policy interventions. The arts (broadly defined) result in three types of value: Economic (economic growth, employment, trade), Social (community development, social cohesion, inclusiveness) and Intrinsic (artistic quality, personal enlightenment, spiritual values).
- 2017
M & E KDI REPORT PUBLIC ART 10.06.21 (PDF 1.72MB)
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including the Public Arts programme the focus of this fourth report.
- Cultural Domain - Books and Press
- 2021
Economic Scenarios for the Books and Publishing Domain 03.06.22 (PDF 1.84MB)
With rapid change and uncertainty, responsible decision making and policy making must take various future possibilities into account. The purpose of this research is to suggest possible scenarios all CCI stakeholders (including all three spheres of government) with guidelines for better planning and recommending uses of strategic foresight (or forecasting) in decision making and policy making. A goal would also to build greater anticipatory capacity.
A feasibility study on a state-owned publishing house and an online book purchasing portal 03.06.22 (PDF 1.24MB)
A strong and viable domestic publishing industry is the best vehicle to develop South African authors and to make books available to South African readers. However, the local industry cannot thrive if left to market forces alone, in part because of the competition from the global publishing industry. This report considers the feasibility of state support for publishing initiatives in South Africa, based on an analysis of current research and the views of key players in the book value chain on both opportunities for and obstacles to the growth of this sector.
- 2019
Toward a South African Book Development Policy 04.06.21 (PDF 1.87MB)
Literacy and reading is the lifeblood of any modern society. Reading will not only improve the level of literacy but will also contribute to personal development, socio-economic development, nation building and even social cohesion. Books remain an effective means of transmitting knowledge and recording, preserving and disseminating the cultural heritage of the South African people. It also contributes to strengthening human development and can contribute to cultural diversity. It enables participation of the various communities in present society and impacts educational progress. It is foundational to economic development. Reading is therefore an essential means for acquiring knowledge and learning. Books are essential tools and are at the root in education. Therefore, a nation’s book industry must be considered a crucial industry for national development
SACO - KDI Report on National Book Week 04.06.21 (PDF 2.68MB)
Literacy and reading is the lifeblood of any modern society. South Africa’s reading skills could be improved substantially. Books followed by electronic media are the most common channel that are used in society to read today. Reading will not only approve literacy but will also contribute to personal development, socio-economic development, nation building and even social cohesion. It is therefore critical that South Africa must increase its literacy and levels of reading if the country is to achieve the vision set out in the National Development Plan. During his State of the Nation Address on 20 June 2019 president Ramaphosa included: “Our schools will have better educational outcomes and every 10 year old will be able to read for meaning” as one of government’s five fundamental goals.
- Cultural Domain - Audio-visual and Interactive Media
- 2022
Gaming in South Africa - Producers & Consumers 18.01.23 (PDF 5.46MB)
The intention of this report is to build on the information contained in both previous reports with a focus on understanding gaming economies, business models and the consumers of games. This should shed light on what kind of interventions could be made to strengthen this industry in South Africa at such an early stage in its development.
Animation Industry Ecosystem Analysis 18.01.23 (PDF 5.41MB)
South Africa’s animation industry was only established in the early nineties and is in the nascence of its development. An analysis of it in relation to the sector in India, which is perceived to have commenced around the same time yet is seen as a ‘production hub’ for animation, demonstrates some of the shortcomings or lack of development that has taken place in South Africa. This report will reveal some of the gaps and policies that have constrained its development.
- 2019
Review of Film Co-Production Treaties 18.06.21 (PDF 0.92MB)
The following report presents a review and analysis of the most significant co-production treaties that South Africa has entered into with other countries for the purposes of updating the agreements. The introductory section provides the background to the study, as well as its purpose and objectives. The section closes with an overview of the process to be followed in undertaking the analysis and the structure of the report.
- 2018
Artists in Schools - An outline of a Workbook and components of a Toolkit - FINAL 20.06.22 (PDF 1.44MB)
Efficient and effective achievement of AiS goals and outcomes is dependent on the capabilities of the artists, teachers and officials involved in the implementation of the programme. Capacity building, which is central to organisational excellence, requires systematic planning and implementation. This proposed training framework is a first step towards the development of the knowledge, skills and attributes of the AiS role players.
Artists in Schools - Consultation Report - FINAL 20.06.22 (PDF 1.26MB)
DAC identified the need to appraise the project, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and changes that could be introduced to improve the AiS Programme. Given its strengths, SACO was ideally placed to undertake an appraisal of the implementation of the AiS in selected provinces in South Africa.
Artists in Schools - Research Report - FINAL 20.06.22 (PDF 2.25MB)
DAC’s development of human capital strategy involves initiatives that seek to entrench the appreciation of ACH at an early developmental stage of child development. The flagship programme in this regard is, Artists in Schools (AiS) that places artists in schools. According to the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture, of 24 October 2017, more than 300 artists were placed in more than 400 schools in all nine provinces.
- Cultural Domain - Design and Creative Services
- 2018
Interactive Africa Design Indaba Emerging Creatives Development Programme (1) 04.06.21 (PDF 1.33MB)
The Emerging Creatives Development Programme, established in 2005, organised by Design Indaba and funded the DSAC provides opportunities to more than 40 emerging designers from various disciplines across South Africa to annually attend this Programme. In the last 6 years the number of beneficiaries ranged from 42 in 2014 to 57 in 2017. The aim of the Programme is to have a developmental platform for young creatives who have relatively little industry exposure. Design Indaba employs 5 persons on a permanent and 3 on a temporary/ casual basis to work on the Programme.
- Related Domain - Sports and Recreation
- 2021
An audit of sport-related post-schooling training programmes in South Africa 21.06.22 (PDF 1.21MB)
A desktop study approach was adopted to examine policy documents, research reports and academic sources. The key component of the research was a website audit of training qualifications/ programmes at all 26 public universities as well as selected TVET colleges (6) that examined sports-related qualifications and programmes (including modules and module content) in university and TVET College prospectus and handbooks sourced from the internet. There were no programmes and/ or information available on the TVET websites and for 8 of the universities on sports-related offerings. Additionally, a bibliometric scan of South African research in sport, leisure and recreation was conducted to identify output trends using SciVal.
- 2020
- SACO Frameworks & Guides
- 2019
- 2017
Cultural Seasons Framework 11.06.21 (PDF 0.87MB)
Cultural Seasons represent one of the core implementing mechanisms being employed by the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) in pursuit of its Cultural Diplomacy objectives. In this regard, the use of Cultural Seasons is based on the dual policy imperatives to (i) profile and (ii) strengthen multi- and bi-lateral relations in accordance with the South African National Interest through the application of Cultural Diplomacy.
- 2016
SACO - A Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts Culture Heritage 2016 11.06.21 (PDF 2.54MB)
The report sets out to develop and test a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for publically funded arts, culture and heritage projects. From a review of the international literature, three kinds of cultural values were identified: Economic, Social and Intrinsic. Debates around the relationship of these values to each other and to their relevance to cultural policy were reviewed. Using South African and international case studies, a variety of valuation methods were discussed.
Statistical Framework 11.06.21 (PDF 1.72MB)
Developing a Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS) is an important first step in collecting information on, and building understanding of, the cultural and creative industries in South Africa. The purpose of this report is to review existing documents relating to the development of a FCS for South Africa, as well as to trace the understanding and development of the scope of the cultural and creative industries in South African reports and policy documents.
- SACO Workshop Presentations
- SACO Conference Presentations