Commissioned Research Creative Cities in Metropolitan areas
South Africa has three UNESCO recognised creative cities: Cape Town (design), Overstrand (gastronomy) and Durban (literature). Creative cities go beyond cultural and creative industry aspects and include broader issues pertaining to innovations and seeking creative solutions to urban challenges, which occur at three levels: upperground, underground and middleground. In South Africa, there is limited but extremely useful research that focuses on creative cities that this study draws on. In this context, this study critically examines current scholarly literature on creative cities generally and in South Africa specifically, focusing on opportunities and challenges and socio-economic benefits associated with creative cities. A desktop study approach is adopted that examines policy documents, research reports and academic sources.
Cultural and sports impact on the economy can and should be measured, valued
GOVERNMENT strategic foresight is a powerful thing when it takes flight. Take the Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy (2011) – which gave birth to the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), hosted by Nelson Mandela University since 2015 – for example.
Minister Zizi Kodwa unveils new award ceremony: “The South African Creative Arts Awards”
The South African Creative Arts Awards will be the be most desired recognition and cultural recognition in the South African creative industry. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture intends to hold the South African Creative Arts Awards annually.
Research week
Nelson Mandela University hosted their second annual Research Week on 11-15 September 2023 as part of their continued effort to foster engagement and partnership to contribute to the research culture within the institution.
Honouring Mandela - A Day To Give
On Mandela Day, Gelvandale High School hostel received assistance from the South African Cultural Observatory, Nelson Mandela University, and other various organizations.
SAMA Professionalisation Workshop 21 - 22 August 2023
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in a discussion with the stakeholders in the Museum industry on the professionalization of heritage in South Africa. The discussion was aimed at finding ways to professionalize the work Museums do in SA. The Museum stakeholders would like their work to be qualified by SAQA so that when they enroll students, they (students) can come out with a qualification that is graded.
