Transformation and job creation in the cultural and creative industries in South Africa
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. 
Women who move like water
THE economy, according to some, can be likened to a rainbow. We have all heard of the green or the blue economy. But what of the orange one? The orange economy is the creative economy. It is made up of the creative industries – such as architecture, animation, advertising, fashion and publishing. Together these industries form part of the modern economy where culture is produced and distributed through industrial means; with intellectual property being the main driver of trade, labour and production.
Black mermaid wows GQ fans of blue, orange economies
AUGUST 29, 2024: ZANDILE NDHLOVU, South Africa’s first black freediving instructor and global icon for ocean protection an swimming education, was the first keynote speaker in a new series of First Thursday talks hosted by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) in Gqebhera.
Snapshot of the cultural and creative industries in South Africa
The SACO 2022 mapping study showed that the total contribution of the cultural and creative industries to South Africa’s GDP was R161 billion in 2020. This represents just under 3% of South Africa’s total economic production in 2020 and makes the sector approximately the same size as agriculture.
Umtiza Arts Festival Report
On the 27th of May 2024, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in the 9th edition of the Umtiza Arts Festival in East London.
Better Africa Better World
May marked Africa month - a moment for the continent to pause, reflect, and celebrate the unique African identity and cultural expression.
