Sector 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 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.
- Reports
UNCTAD's Creative Economy Outlook and Country Profile 10.12.20 (PDF 8.70MB) This report outlines trends in the world trade of creative goods and, for the first time, services by country for the period 2005 to 2014, and provides an outlook on the global creative economy for the period 2002 to 2015. Read More
VANSA-Annual-Report-2017-18 10.12.20 (PDF 1.97MB) VANSA operates as a support point and development agency for contemporary art practice in South Africa. We develop industry knowledge, resources, networks and projects that are concerned with realising new social, cultural and economic possibilities for contemporary art practice in the South African – and wider African – context. VANSA is a national network of artists and arts organisations with over 6000 members. Read More
Making_Space_for_Culture_Handbook_for_City_Leaders 10.12.20 (PDF 3.35MB) This report deals with the challenge of ‘Making Space for Culture’: the question of how to maintain and develop a dynamic diverse mix of spaces and facilities for cultural production and consumption within the harsh realities of the real estate market. Read More
Report on increasing the competitiveness of the cultural heritage sector in Armenia 10.12.20 (PDF 1.89MB) Following the agenda established through the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, more recent conclusions of the Council of the European Union have reiterated the view that cultural heritage is a “resource for a sustainable Europe”. The European Commission has also highlighted that the contribution of cultural heritage to economic growth and social cohesion is undervalued, in spite of growing scientific evidence, and has called for an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe. Read More
A Skills Audit of the UK Film and Screen Industries 10.12.20 (PDF 0.84MB) The report on film employment, whether of camera operators, riggers, props or hairdressers, shows a striking lack of diversity and “significant obstacles” to people getting jobs in the first place. Read More
Culture Segments Malta 10.12.20 (PDF 1.54MB) Culture Segments Malta maps out in detail the profile of the culture market in Malta, examining the attitudes, motivations and behaviour which determine how those in Malta engage with culture. Broken down by both artform and Culture Segment, this report examines who is currently going to arts and culture events, as well as measuring potential markets to provide detailed audience insight. This provides usable data for cultural organisations and assist them in setting realistic targets. The report is aims to improve the understanding of cultural organisations' markets using data that is rich, practical and powerful. Read More - SACO Frameworks & Guides
- 2019
The Establishment of the Film Sector as a Catalyst for Economic Growth in South Africa Toward a Sallywood – Framework 11.06.21 (PDF 4.14MB) This report analyses the potential of the South African film industry to be a driver of development and growth, including an analysis of existing strengths and challenges, with a view to the development of a business plan for the sector. Read More - 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. Read More - 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. Read More
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. Read More
Guide on Surveying the Economic Contribution of the Copyright Industries 11.06.21 (PDF 1.65MB) This report analyses the potential of the South African film industry to be a driver of development and growth, including an analysis of existing strengths and challenges, with a view to the development of a business plan for the sector. Read More
- 2019
- Presentations
- Working & Research Papers
Making Art Work 13.03.19 (PDF 3.66MB) Making Art Work: An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia by David Throsby and Katya Petetskaya is the sixth in a series carried out independently over thirty years by Professor Throsby at Macquarie University, with funding from the Australia Council. The series tracks trends in the lives and working conditions of Australian artists over 30 years and identifies challenges and opportunities for artists’ careers into the future. Read More
Ordinary Culture in a World od Strangers 12.03.19 (PDF 1.23MB) The image of Zwarte Piet, as part of Dutch Sinterklaas celebrations has caused heated debate in the past decade, which has polarized tensions between the ‘Dutch’ and ‘strangers’. This article argues that the debate cannot be resolved within a framework of a methodologically nationalist cultural policy. Building on Kwame Anthony Appiah’s book Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers, I argue that a cosmopolitan framework for belonging is not only a normative but also a policy imperative. Cultural policy should recognize our shared global belonging, rather than building a national polis predicated on difference that sets us apart. However, a methodologically cosmopolitan cultural policy cannot be a blanket approach to replace or undermine national frameworks. It should embed the nation in a cosmopolitan public policy to accommodate cultural and religious diversity under globalization that has irrevocably eroded the illusion of a national unity. Read More
Gender Equality Policy in the Arts, Culture and Media - Comparative perspectives 13.03.19 (PDF 3.39MB) This study presents a comparative view of the situation of women in the fields of the arts and culture and the media in selected European countries (France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). Specifically, in light of a 2016 Report that analyzed data over a 20-year time period and identified critical issues for the German context (Schulz, Ries &Zimmermann, 2016), the purpose here is to compare the German case to the experiences and policies of the other European countries and provide input for potential future action Read More
The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor 13.03.19 (PDF 4.01MB) Culture Action Europe (CAE) welcomes the new “Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor”, published by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). This new tool provides comparable data on how European cities perform across nine dimensions – covering culture and creativity – and underlines how their performance contributes to cities’ social development and economic growth and job creation. Read More
Mapping the Creative Value Chains - a study on the economy of culture in the digital age 13.03.19 (PDF 0.89MB) Cultural and creative sectors (CCS) have become well established in both an economic and policy context as important assets in strengthening Europe’s economic structure and maintaining its competitiveness in the global economy.1 Read More
Strengthening the Creative industries For Development in Zambia, UNCTAD (2010) 13.03.19 (PDF 2.65MB) At the annual session of its Trade and Development Commission, UNCTAD released the study “Strengthening the Creative Industries for development in Zambia”, a policy-oriented report issued as one of the main outcomes of the multi-agency pilot project for strengthening the creative industries in five ACP countries through employment and trade expansion. The project is a component of the ACP-EU Support Programme to Cultural Industries, jointly implemented by ILO, UNCTAD and UNESCO during 2008-2011. Read More
2015, Cabo Verdes Creative Economy - Leveraging culture and creativity for sustainable development, Paper presented at the UNCTAD Conference, 26 March 2015 13.03.19 (PDF 1.23MB) The report and its findings support the potential of Cabo Verde to capitalize on its rich cultural expressions (music, festivals, handicrafts, gastronomy, tourism and cultural events) to achieve real sustainable development. This report aims to stress the potential of culture and creativity as vectors of development in Cabo Verde and to strengthen the vision put forward by the Prime Minister José Maria Neves. Read More
Night Time Economy 13.03.19 (PDF 9.33MB) Performance venues are an intrinsic part of the UK’s cultural ecosystem while restaurants, clubs, pubs and bars complement and support the night-time economy and are an important part of the going-out experience Read More
Trade in Creative and Cultural Goods and Services, in the context of EU-South African Development of Creative Industries in South, 2013 13.03.19 (PDF 2.15MB) The present publication brings together insights into and perspectives on the role of trade in creative industries development in South Africa, generated through commissioned research, a conference and a series of seminars and workshops undertaken over a nearly two year period. Read More
Laaksane.A and Gardner.S, 2016, Discussion Paper 7th World Summit of Arts and Culture, IFACCA, Sydney, NSW 13.03.19 (PDF 0.26MB) The aim of this Discussion Paper is to provide participants and speakers with background reading on the Summit’s theme: At the crossroads? Cultural Leadership in the 21st century. The Discussion Paper looks at the concept of cultural leadership from different perspectives, and considers the broader question of how culture can, or does, play a leadership role in driving positive societal change. Read More
Ansell.G , 2016, It starts with a heartbeat, Concerts SA 13.03.19 (PDF 1.98MB) The report, It Starts with a Heartbeat, builds on previous work from the project to set out practical options for supporting the growth of live music audiences – and evidence of why such support is a good thing. For individuals, many international studies have shown how participating in live music contributes to health and well-being including physical fitness, improved immune response and more robust mental health. Read More - SACO Conference Presentations
- 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). Read More
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). Read More
Chapter 3 International Trade in Cultural Goods and Services 06.04.22 (DOCX 0.40MB) Chapter 3 examines South Africa’s international trade in cultural goods and services, using local and international data sources. The focus is on the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) bloc and SADC in comparative perspective, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
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). Read More
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. Read More
The Economic Mapping of the Cultural and Creative Industires in SA 2022 06.04.22 (PDF 19.83MB) In addition to the important social and cultural values that cultural and creative activities contribute to the identity and wellbeing of South Africans, the contribution of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) to economic growth, employment, and international trade has also been increasingly acknowledged. Read More - 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. Read More
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). Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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 Read More
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 Read More
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. Read More
Transformation, Ownership and Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 11.06.21 (PDF 1.33MB) This Research Report 5 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 2,3 and 4, this report is an update of a similar report that was produced in December 2017. Although it is important to note that the approach undertaken for the 2017 study was based to large extent on the 2014 DSAC mapping study, in this study an attempt is made not to rely heavily on this specific study. Read More
South Africa international trade in cultural products A focus on trade with the EU in a comparative regional setting 11.06.21 (PDF 1.35MB) -This report forms one chapter of the SACO 2020 CCI Mapping Study. The main goal was to analyse the structure and performance of South Africa’s cultural goods trade with the European Union (EU) for the period from 2010 to 2018, with comparisons to trade with BRICS and the rest of Africa. The choice of the EU as the focus for this report is because, along with the rest of BRICS, Africa and North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) countries, the EU is one of South Africa’s most important cultural trading partners. Read More - 2018
Summary Report - CCI Mapping - A Baseline 11.06.21 (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 Read More
South African Cci Mapping Study Review Of Methods 11.06.21 (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 Read More
Mapping the South African Cultural Industries 14.06.21 (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 Read More
Mapping Study - Provincial Location and Clusters of CCIs - Report 14.06.21 (PDF 1.49MB) 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. Read More
Mapping Study - Visual Arts and Crafts 14.06.21 (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. Read More
Mapping Study - Performance and Celebration 14.06.21 (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. Read More
Mapping Study - Design and Creative Services 14.06.21 (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. Read More
DAC CCI Mapping Study Methodology - Assessment 14.06.21 (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. Read More
- 2022
- CCIs and/or ACH sectors generally
- 2021
Measuring the impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa One year on 02.12.21 (PDF 2.53MB) In all countries, the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using results from an online survey (326 responses), key stakeholder interviews, and macroeconomic modelling, this report investigates the medium-term impact of the lockdown on South Africa’s CCIs. The survey included responses from freelancers (49%), employers (51%), formal (64%) and informal (36%) businesses. Read More
COPYRIGHT - Public and stakeholder perceptions and concerns on current copyright and performers legislation and proposed amendments 02.12.21 (PDF 1.23MB) Copyright protection is the right of the copyright owner to prevent others from making copies of their work. It trades off the costs of limiting access to a work against the benefits of providing incentives to create the work in the first place. Striking the correct balance between access and incentives is the central problem in copyright law. For copyright law to promote economic efficiency, its principal legal doctrines must, at least approximately, maximise the benefits from creating additional works minus both the losses from limiting access and the costs of administering copyright protection Read More - 2020
KDI Report COVID_19 Impacts on Sport Businesses 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Cultural Participation and Consumption in South Africa - A Demand-side report 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Framework for developing interactive information platforms to provide user-friendly economic data to the Cultural and Creative Industries 02.12.21 (PDF 6.41MB) Research into the cultural economy and the associated Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) is relatively new. Empirical research using empirical evidence is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. Although many researchers combine qualitative and quantitative analysis to better answer questions, empirical evidence is often valued more than other research because it is evidence-based. Read More
KDI_Measuring the Impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the CCI sector 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Measuring private sector support for the CCI 02.12.21 (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 Read More
The Development of a South African Cultural Export Strategy 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Youth, women and people living with disabilities - A Landscape Assessment of the CCI’s Readiness to Address the Needs of Persons with Disabilities (2) 02.12.21 (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 Read More
capstonereportfinaldesigncontent 02.12.21 (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. Related Links Don’t let Covid-19 kill SA’s cultural sector and its economic value Read More
Technical Research Report 2_CCI SAM and CSA_2019 Update_Ver 1_3 Feb 2019 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Transformation, ownership and employment in South Africa’s cultural and creative industry (CCI) and creative economy 02.12.21 (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. Read More
Framework for developing interactive information platforms to provide user-friendly economic data to the Cultural and Creative Industries 02.12.21 (PDF 6.41MB) Research into the cultural economy and the associated Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) is relatively new. Empirical research using empirical evidence is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. Although many researchers combine qualitative and quantitative analysis to better answer questions, empirical evidence is often valued more than other research because it is evidence-based. Read More - 2019
Impact Study of the DSAC Funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme 10.06.21 (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. Read More
Overlap between the digital and creative sectors 10.06.21 (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. THE CULTURAL OBSERVER Subscribe to newsletter SUBSCRIBE Read More
Fair Use versus Fair Dealing Implications for the Cultural and Creative Industries 10.06.21 (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. Read More
The Nexus Between Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism And Sports – Policy Implications 10.06.21 (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. Read More
KDI Report - Impact Study of the DSAC Funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme.-1 10.06.21 (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. Read More
The Role of Venture Capital in Promoting the Cultural And Creative Industry (CCI) 10.06.21 (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 Read More
Government funding of CCIs 10.06.21 (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. Read More
The Employment of Youth and Women in Cultural Occupations 10.06.21 (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%). Read More
Policy Implications of Changes in the Intellectual Property (IP) Legislative Environment and the Possible Impact Thereof on the Emerging 4th Industrial Revolu 10.06.21 (PDF 1.33MB) This research report examines the policy implications of changes in the Intellectual Property (IP) legislative environment and the possible impact thereof on the emerging 4th Industrial Revolution. It reviews the current and emerging legislative environment pertaining to IP; provides a brief overview of the 4th Industrial Revolution; exposes policy implications of the current and emerging legislative environment pertaining to IP; and further addresses the policy implications, requirements and impacts of the current and emerging legislative environment for the realisation of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Read More
The potential of “Creative Cities” for regional Development in non-metropolitan areas - The case of the Makhanda Creative City project (2) 10.06.21 (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. Read More - 2018
Mapping the spatial distribution of government funding FINAL 14.06.21 (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 Read More
A Position Paper on a Forecasting Model In Regard to the Cultural and Creative Industries of South Africa 14.06.21 (PDF 1.29MB) 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. Read More
AU Trade Report 2018 final with summary 14.06.21 (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 Read More
M & E Summative Report 14.06.21 (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. Read More
M & E Policy Recommendations Report - FINAL 14.06.21 (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. Read More
Refined M and E Framework 2018 Report 14.06.21 (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. Read More
Mapping the spatial distribution of government funding FINAL 14.06.21 (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. Read More - 2017
M&E KDI Summary - Report (1) 08.06.21 (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. Read More
M & E KDI REPORT TOURING VENTURES 08.06.21 (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. Read More
Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 08.06.21 (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). Read More
A Guide to Using the Online South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator (SAFEIC) 08.06.21 (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. Read More
A Creative & Cultural Industry Index For South Africa 08.06.21 (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. Read More
The mapping of the South African creative economy A baseline 08.06.21 (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. Read More
Provincial Location and Clusters of Cultural and Creative Industries 08.06.21 (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. Read More - 2016
Transformation and job creation in the cultural and creative industries in South Africa 08.06.21 (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. Read More
Measuring Cultural Employment in South Africa A comparison between the UNESCO Guidelines 08.06.21 (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. Read More
Cultural Employment in South Africa 08.06.21 (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. Read More
A Framework For Monitoring And Evaluation 08.06.21 (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. Read More
- 2021
- Cultural Domain - Performance and Celebration
- 2020
Impact Analysis - Live Music and its Venues and the South African economy during COVID-19 10.06.21 (PDF 2.48MB) This research follows up the SACO survey on the impact of COVID-19 across the whole South African creative and cultural industry landscape, published in May 2020, by applying a more detailed lens to the specific impact on the live music industry and its venues. Read More - 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. Read More
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. Read More - 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). Read More
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. Read More - 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. Read More
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 Read More
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. Read More
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). Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More - 2016
KDI Report - Royal Heritage Festival In Vhembe 11.06.21 (PDF 0.75MB) The Royal Heritage Festival (RHF) in Vhembe is described by organisers as Limpopo’s biggest music festival, now in its 5th year. The event took place over three days (8 – 10 September 2016), made up of a career day, the King Mphephu Fun Walk, followed by Musangwe, a traditional form of bare-knuckle “traditional royal boxing”, and an all-night Music Concert, which formed the main part of the Festival. Read More
KDI Report - Indoni Festival 11.06.21 (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. Read More
- 2020
- Cultural Domain - Cultural and Natural Heritage
- 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. THE CULTURAL OBSERVER Subscribe to newsletter SUBSCRIBE MORE NEWS Read More
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 Read More - 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. Read More Comments
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. Read More Comments
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. Read More
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. Read More - 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. Read More - 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. Read More
- 2020
- 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. Read More
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. Read More
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 Read More - 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). Read More - 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. Read More
- 2019
- Cultural Domain - Books and Press
- 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 Read More
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. Read More
- 2019
- Cultural Domain - Audio-visual and Interactive Media
- 2019
Review of Film Co-Production Treaties - Progress Report - 18 Nov 2019 - FINAL 10.06.21 (PDF 0.32MB) Film co-production agreements are generally treaty-level documents setting out the agreed terms for two governments to facilitate cooperation between their respective film and television industries and to assist those industries to grow. The idea of cultural exchange is also central to the agreements. Read More
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. Read More
Unlocking the Growth Potential of the Online Gaming Industry in South Africa 18.06.21 (PDF 1.83MB) In 2018, the global gaming industry consisted of 2.3 billion consumers, who spent nearly US$ 138 billion on games. Although the South African gaming industry is small, it is growing at an exponential rate. A recent PWC (2018) report identifies the digital video games sector as one of “the biggest success stories” in the South African entertainment and media industries. Read More
- 2019
- 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. Read More
- 2018
- Mapping Study
- Other
Intersectig Practices in Arts and Health Research 17.02.21 (PDF 0.41MB) The Arts and Health Research: Inspiring Creative Dialogue” special issue published in Cogent Arts & Humanities brings together a collection of scholarly, arts-based (or creative practice-based) research papers arising from a two-day interdisciplinary symposium held in Vancouver, Canada in April 2016. Our goal in the symposium was to bring together health researchers, artists and designers working within literary, performative and visual practices in order to identify mutual interests and foster cross-pollination between the arts and health, or more precisely across creative practices and health research. With this special issue, we continue this discussion. Our hope is that the collected contributions will stimulate wider interest in this rapidly growing field, and that the individual projects, methods and practices discussed here might help support other artists and researchers, seeking new modes of collaboration that cross not only scholarly disciplines, but also, perhaps mo Read More
