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.
- Publications
Publication Report - An input output model for the cultural and creative industries in South Africa and possible extensions 30.10.18 (PDF 1.60MB) All government interventions have got a purpose and a goal. Interventions require resources which are scarce. It is therefore important for government to know which interventions are going to realise the best impact. In many cases, it is easy to estimate what the output is going to be. However, it is more difficult to estimate what the impact is going to be. As the old cliché goes “if you can’t measure it you can’t manage it”.
SACO Publication Report Rural Cultural Policy 30.10.18 (PDF 2.08MB) This document discusses the parameters and definitions associated with the terms cultural and policy within South Africa. Due to the marginalization of rural areas from mainstream urban cultural initiatives, we focus specifically on elucidating the features of rural cultural and heritage initiatives in South Africa. We do this in two ways: we examine how cultural policies may feature within the public and developmental rubric of international, national, provincial and local arenas; and we analyze our data to extract specific aspects of provincial cultural and heritage practice that may be useful in the of cultural policies for rural zones in South Africa. This specifically contributes to the mapping of cultural and heritage resources by the South African Cultural Observatory.
Publication Report - The Role of Cultural and Creative Industries in Regenerating Urban and Rural Space and Economies in South Africa 30.10.18 (PDF 2.82MB) Creativity, knowledge and innovation have become increasingly important factors in driving regional economic, social and cultural development (Selada et al., 2011). Both in academic literature and in several national and international policy documents, creativity is considered to predominately be an urban phenomenon due to the fact that human, economic and institutional resources are generally concentrated in cities. The attraction and retention of talent, particularly Florida’s (2002) creative class, to small urban centres and rural areas can, however, be a solution to their economic revitalisation.
Publication Report - Cultural Diplomacy Policy Framework 30.10.18 (PDF 0.87MB) Within the current field of international relations, there is little dispute that cultural diplomacy is a key diplomatic tool used by governments to advance their national interests. This point was emphasized in particular by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) in their recent report entitled, South Africa: Cultural Diplomacy and the National Interest. Among the report’s key findings is the clear lack of reference to the concept of cultural diplomacy within South African policy, particularly within the diplomatic corps; the report also indicated that current government-wide activities to promote South Africa’s image abroad are largely uncoordinated, underfunded and not linked to specific national objectives, including promoting regional stability and attracting foreign investment. In short, without appropriate policy instruments, Government lacks a dedicated in-house capacity to develop long-term relationships with other nations through various arts and culture programmes und
Publication Report - Cultural and the National Interest - Discussion Document 30.10.18 (PDF 0.76MB) The mission of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is to shape and sustain South African foreign policy and promote the growth and development of Africa.1 On the whole, the department’s record in advancing South Africa’s strategic interests during the post-apartheid era has been commendable. But, as one study recently concluded, DIRCO can do far better, suggesting inter alia that the diplomatic corps is not doing enough to promote South Africa’s most powerful and persuasive “global brand” – namely, its democratic credentials and values
SACO - Publication Report - Realising The Economy of the Imagination, 2017, RJ Haines 30.10.18 (PDF 1.63MB) The Economy of the Imagination and the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) present many important socio-economic development options for South Africa. However, current economic options, in recent years, have been seemingly undermined by a slew of negative trends and factors: the increased balance of payments, low growth rates, persistent inequalities, the increased impact of climate change, and outraged social and student movements. These interlinked processes and experiences have added to the state’s financial burdens, and the rating agency’s move to downgrade South Africa’s status has impacted on the country’s economic and investment outlook.
SACO - A position paper on the nature, requirements and operationalisation of a Satellite Cultural Account for South Africa 2016 30.10.18 (PDF 2.20MB) As the old saying goes: “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. Data is critical and without it is very difficult to know whether policies and implementation are successful or not. Data can also help identify where there are policy or implementation gaps that need to be rectified. The needs to be a clearly established metric for success. This will help can quantify progress and adjust processes to produce the desired outcome. Measurement is however difficult. This is particularly so in the cultural domain. - Reports
VANSA-Annual-Report-2017-18 01.11.18 (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.
Making_Space_for_Culture_Handbook_for_City_Leaders 01.11.18 (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.
Report on increasing the competitiveness of the cultural heritage sector in Armenia 01.11.18 (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.
A Skills Audit of the UK Film and Screen Industries 01.11.18 (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.
Culture Segments Malta 01.11.18 (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.
13_01_2017_SACO_Annual Report 2015-16_Narrative Report_FINAL 01.11.18 (PDF 0.50MB) This short narrative report highlights the successes, achievements, challenges and outcomes of the South African Cultural Observatory in its first year of operation, FY 2015/16.
M & E KDI REPORT: SUMMATIVE REPORT 01.11.18 (PDF 2.01MB) 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 KDI REPORT: TOURING VENTURES 01.11.18 (PDF 2.08MB) 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. Touring Ventures was established to ensure that exhibitions, fairs, shows and performances are supported to tour domestically and internationally. Tours to remote areas are included to provide access for marginalised audiences and to sustain jobs. It is anticipated that this workstream will permit the Arts, Cultural and Heritage Sector to stabilise and
M & E KDI REPORT: PUBLIC ART 01.11.18 (PDF 1.79MB) 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. The DAC MGE Public Arts Programme aims to assist local organisations (in the city, town or municipality where the event/ activity is held) in the Public Arts environment by providing more opportunities for creative arts practitioners, organisations and government to showcase creativity in public spaces. The Public Arts Development Programme (PA
M & E KDI REPORT: MISCELLANEOUS ARTS PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRES 01.11.18 (PDF 1.71MB) 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. Miscellaneous Arts Projects (which includes Community Arts Centres funded events/ activities) is a MGE category that makes provision for limited investments in the costs of high impact small projects, productions and community cultural groups not accommodated in the other four DAC MGE workstreams (Provincial and National Flagships, Festiva
M & E KDI REPORT: FLAGSHIP EVENTS 01.11.18 (PDF 1.77MB) 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: FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 01.11.18 (PDF 2.06MB) 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. The DAC MGE Festivals and Events Grant Programme aims to strengthen and grow the arts, culture and heritage sector in South Africa. It aims to assist local organisations in hosting arts and cultural events in communities, and by providing more opportunities for arts organisations and artists to perform and showcase their work.
SACO - KDI Report DAC Intervention- Cape Town Carnival 01.11.18 (PDF 1.72MB) 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.
SACO - KDI Report DAC Intervention - MACUFE Festival 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 1.33MB) 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.
SACO - KDI Report DAC Intervention - Mahika Mahikeng Festival 01.11.18 (PDF 1.33MB) 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 Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. The Festival included a wide variety of show genres, with a mix of local, provincial and national performers. The main aims of the festival were: To promote cultural and heritage tourism; To celebrate artists in the region and nation (with a focus on musicians from the Province); To reposition and rebrand Mahikeng and the North-West Province as a cultural hub; and to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the music industry.
SACO - M&E Summary Report March 2017 01.11.18 (PDF 1.24MB) Summative report on Year 2 impact studies of a sample of live events using the SACO M&E Framework.
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - Royal Heritage Festival 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 1.40MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE)
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - National Arts Festival 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 1.24MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE)
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - South African Music Awards 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 1.29MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE)
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - Indoni Festival 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 1.15MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE)
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - Udomo Youth Dance Event 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 0.77MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE)
SACO - KDI Report on DAC Intervention - NM Mabote Craft & Development Project 2016 01.11.18 (PDF 0.77MB) 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). This proposed M&E Framework identifies five cultural value themes and links them to indicators that could be used by arts organisations to demonstrate these kinds of value. For a full discussion of the development of the Framework, please see A Framework for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts, Culture and Heritage (South African Cultural Observatory, 2016). This report demonstrates how the Framework could be applied to a sample of projects funded under the Mzansi’s Golden Economy (MGE) - Frameworks & Guides
Statistical Framework 13.11.18 (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.
Cultural Seasons Framework 13.11.18 (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.
SACO - A Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation of Publically Funded Arts Culture Heritage 2016 13.11.18 (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.
Methods and techniques for museum and heritage education 13.11.18 (PDF 14.32MB) This educational toolkit is written for people with some experience in museum / heritage education. The toolkit focuses on a specific aspect of museum education work, namely the choice and application of didactic methods and techniques. A didactic technique is only one of the ingredients in the creative process of making educational programmes. The choice of technique depends on the context in which the programme is being developed and must contribute to the achievement of any predefined goals.
Conference of the Paties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 13.11.18 (PDF 0.19MB) Since the adoption of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”), the digital environment and related technologies have transformed the way in which cultural goods and services are created, produced, distributed and consumed. The arrival of a new generation of connected multimedia devices such as smartphones, tablets and e-readers, the design of new trade models for the distribution of cultural content and the emergence of new online business models represent some of the challenges for public policies addressing the cultural industries. At the same time, not everyone has the necessary infrastructure (e.g. the lack of devices or low or no connectivity), artists do not always have the technical knowledge required, and the impact of new trade agreements on cultural industries in the digital environment will take time to measure. Lastly, the lack of concrete data to determine whether digital tec - Presentations
- Working & Research Papers
Making Art Work 30.10.18 (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.
Ordinary Culture in a World od Strangers 30.10.18 (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.
Gender Equality Policy in the Arts, Culture and Media - Comparative perspectives 30.10.18 (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
The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor 30.10.18 (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.
Mapping the Creative Value Chains - a study on the economy of culture in the digital age 30.10.18 (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
Strengthening the Creative industries For Development in Zambia, UNCTAD (2010) 30.10.18 (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.
2015, Cabo Verdes Creative Economy - Leveraging culture and creativity for sustainable development, Paper presented at the UNCTAD Conference, 26 March 2015 30.10.18 (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.
Night Time Economy 30.10.18 (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
Trade in Creative and Cultural Goods and Services, in the context of EU-South African Development of Creative Industries in South, 2013 30.10.18 (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.
Laaksane.A and Gardner.S, 2016, Discussion Paper 7th World Summit of Arts and Culture, IFACCA, Sydney, NSW 30.10.18 (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.
Ansell.G , 2016, It starts with a heartbeat, Concerts SA 30.10.18 (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. - SACO Conference Presentations
- SACO Research Papers
Research Report - Social Cohesion Statistical Report 19.10.18 (DOCX 5.93MB) As a legacy of its past, South African society remains deeply fractured by race, ethnicity, and socio-economic class and the ensuing lack of social cohesion continues to constrain the forging of a new national identity and the development of a social compact necessary to establish a more prosperous and egalitarian society. As part of its mission, the Department of Arts and Cultural (DAC) has introduced a range of programmes to promote greater social coherence by profiling the extent and diversity of the nation’s multiple cultural activities and, thereby, strengthening public awareness of our common heritage. In order to determine the success of these interventions, it is necessary to be able to measure the extent to which they are contributing towards a cohesive social order. The report which follows proposes the development of a South African index of social cohesion, benchmarked against internationally accepted norms. Such an index will enable the Department to measure its progress
SAs trade in cultural goods and services with a focus on cultural trade with BRICS partners FNL 19.10.18 (PDF 1.97MB) This report sets out to examine the growth and structure of South Africa’s international trade in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) between 2007 and 2016, with a specific focus on the country’s trade with its BRICS partners (i.e. Brazil, Russia, China, and India). In this regard, it makes use of the 2009 UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics to define the sector.
Transformation Ownership and Employment in South Africas CCIs and Creative Economy 19.10.18 (PDF 1.92MB) 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.
Macroeconomic impact assessment and analysis of SAs CCI and creative economy 19.10.18 (PDF 2.70MB) This Research Report 3 is the third in a series of five (5) 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.
Summary Report - CCI Mapping - A Baseline 19.10.18 (PDF 1.23MB) 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.
Summary Report - CCI Mapping - A Baseline (1) 19.10.18 (PDF 1.23MB) 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.
FULL MAPPING STUDY REPORT - Mapping of SA CCI and Creative Economy - A Baseline (1) 19.10.18 (PDF 4.56MB) This report represents a macro-economic mapping study of South Africa’s cultural and creative industry (CCI) and broader creative economy. This initial section encapsulates the key research findings and policy implications of a series of five reports that were recently requested 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 South Africa’s CCIs and creative economy. Critically, the mapping study is related to section 5.5 of the NRA, which, among other things, proposes, a “mapping study of South African Cultural and Creative Industries”.1 Table 1 below provides the broad details of the five reports within which specific research topics are addressed by the contributing authors.
Employment in South Africa’s CCI and Creative Economy 19.10.18 (PDF 2.10MB) 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).
Research Report - Employment in the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 19.10.18 (PDF 1.98MB) 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).
Research Report - Cultural and Creative Industries Trade Report 2017 19.10.18 (PDF 1.36MB) 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.
SACO - Research Report - Regional Development - The Cultural & Creative Industries in South Africa: A case study of the Sarah Baartman District 19.10.18 (DOCX 2.35MB) 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. The Sarah Baartman District (SBD) of South Africa’s Eastern Cape is the largest district in the province yet it does not have any large urban centers. The district has nevertheless identified culture as a potential new economic driver (Sarah Baartman District Municipality, 2016).
SACO - Research Report - CCI Index for South Africa 19.10.18 (DOCX 3.02MB) This document identifies both the domains and the dimensions that can be used to calculate the South African CCI Index and sub-indices. 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.
Snowball J and Hadisi S, 2016, Cultural Employment in SA using Labour Force Data, SACO 19.10.18 (PDF 0.98MB) 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.
Snowball, Collins and Tarentaal, 2016, Transformation and job creation in the cultural and creative industry in SA, SACO 19.10.18 (PDF 0.73MB) Using data from a survey of 2400 firms in the CCIs in South Africa, this paper examines the extent to which the CCIs in South Africa have transformed in terms of ownership and employment. Comparisons are also made across the six UNESCO (2009) “Cultural Domains” in terms of ownership, average monthly turnover and the number of full-time, part-time and contract employees.
Hadisi S and Snowball J, 2016, Measuring Cultural Employment in South Africa, SACO 19.10.18 (PDF 1.67MB) 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. The aim of this report was to determine to what extent the classification systems for occupations and industries used in South Africa fits the classification system used by UNESCO in their Survey of Cultural Employment Statistics Manual (2015) because it is important to produce internationally comparable statistics. - Other
Intersectig Practices in Arts and Health Research 15.09.18 (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
