South African Cultural Observatory
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SACO 5th International Conference

05 NOV 2025 - 06 NOV 2025
Category: National Conference
Region: Western Cape
Town: Stellenbosch
Cover Charge:
Contact Details: Paula Holmes at paula.holmes@mandela.ac.za For general inquiries: info@southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za Phone: +27(0)41 5044 930
Booking Details: *Early bird registration, R2950, Secure your place at the conference. Early bird tickets limited to first 100 registrations before Monday, 1 September 2025. *Student in-person attendance, R1800 - Students will be required to produce proof of student status. Thursday, 23 October 2025 (Limited availability). *In-person attendance, R3400 - Thursday 23 October 2025 (Limited availability). *Virtual attendance, R750 - Tuesday, 28th October 2025.
SACO Conference 2025 - First Call for Abstracts Graphic - Square

SACO Conference 2025 - First Call for Abstracts Graphic - Square

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) invites you to submit an abstract or proposal for consideration for the SACO’s 5th international conference to be held on 5 and 6 November 2025, in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

Theme: “Creative Economy Futures: Perspectives, Policies and Practices for Tomorrow”

This will be a hybrid event with opportunities offered for both in-person and virtual attendees.

#SACOConf2025: Initial Call for Abstracts, Papers & Presentations

Creative Economy Futures: Perspectives, Policies and Practices for Tomorrow

From the rise of artificial intelligence to shifting political and social structures, the Cultural and Creative industries (CCI) are dynamic sites for varied forms of artistic, creative and innovative work linking past, present and future, and producing artefacts of intangible and tangible value.

The conference will examine how emerging and hegemonic technologies, global disruptions, and changing cultural landscapes, from the real to the hyperreal, condition creative practices and the CCI.

At a time when creativity, innovation, and digital transformation are increasingly seen as vital to sustainable social and economic development it is now the time to scrutinize, engage and affect the directions of the future creative economy and the pursuit of less inequitable, more inclusive, and sustainable modes of development and wellbeing.

Who should participate?

  • Local and international academics
  • Industry professionals and practitioners
  • Public managers, policymakers, and thought leaders
  • Creative entrepreneurs
  • Cultural institutions
  • Researchers, consultants, and arts funders
  • Private sector players
  • Arts funders and impact investors
  • Organizations within the cultural and creative sectors
  • Artists, content creators and creative workers, including young and emerging talent
  • Festival and event organizers
  • Sports promoters and administrators

Submission Deadline: 17 July 2025 (submission form and further details to be announced)

Contact: Paula Holmes at paula.holmes@mandela.ac.za

For general inquiries: info@southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za

Phone: +27(0)41 5044 930

Venue

Venue Name: Protea Hotel & Conference Centre by Marriot Stellenbosch
Street Address: Techno Avenue, Techno Park, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 7600

Brochure

This is an official South African Cultural Observatory event.
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