Calling on cultural heritage professionals and curators
The South African Cultural Observatory is conducting a short online survey on the repatriation of African (especially South African) cultural artefacts currently held in foreign museums.
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Mitigation plans to minimize the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Sport, Arts and Culture sector
Statement by Minister Nathi Mthethwa on mitigation plans to minimize the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Sport, Arts and Culture sector.
Call to Curators – SA Cultural Observatory Researches Debates About The Repatriation Of Museum Artifacts
The debates about the restitution of museum artifacts taken from African countries, mostly during the colonial era, has a long history. However, it was brought to high prominence again recently by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who said, in an address to 800 students in Burkina Faso on 28th of November 2017: “I cannot accept that a large part of cultural heritage from several African countries is in France. There are historical explanations for that, but there are no valid justifications that are durable and unconditional”.
An Early Assessment of The Impact of The Covid-19 Crisis on The Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa
As of March 2020, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) conducted a survey targeting businesses and freelancers in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). This survey was undertaken so that the Observatory could ascertain the impact of the measures that were put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Mapping the Economic Value of the Creative Industry
In many countries, the growing importance of the cultural and creative industries is increasingly being recognised. The SA Cultural Observatory recently released its second Economic Mapping of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 2020 (Economic Mapping Study).
Youth is not wasted on Young Creatives: The Creative Economy is where South Africa’s Youth will be national carriers in a Post-Covid-19 world
Young Creatives in South Africa have heaps of challenges stacked up against them. Their reality is like that of many youth and people whose livelihoods depend on informal labour practises and gig work. Nothing makes this more evident than the effects of Covid-19 on life as we know it. However it is through their infinite potential, innovative capabilities and resilience that the country is endowed with the means to solve the complex problems in the ever-uncertain present and towards a Fourth Industrial future.
COVID-19 Impacts on the Sports Sector
World over, sport is recognised by many societies and governments as a major contributor to economic and social development. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected sports of all types across the world and is likely to have a major negative impact.
Executive Direction June 2020
As we all know and have somewhat even become accustomed to it, due to social distancing measures put in place to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, since March 26, we have all not able to travel to any venue to consume any form of arts and culture products. Libraries, archives, museums, films and television productions, theatre and orchestra performances, fashion shows, concert tours, zoos as well as music and arts festivals have all been closed or come to a complete halt. Could this signal a death knell for the sector? The answer has to be a Big No, at least not if we can help it as consumers and key stakeholders of the cultural and creative industries.
SA Cultural Observatory releases report on the impact of Covid-19 on Cultural and Creative Industries
In late March, soon after President Ramaphosa announced several measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country, the South African Cultural Observatory undertook a study to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 and associated measures on the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). This took the form of both the online survey and economic impact assessment to find out what impact these measures were having on businesses and freelancers in the sector, the adaptation strategies, and the most useful kinds of support that could be provided. The study, the most comprehensive for the sector, was undertaken between March 30 and May 4, 2020 and provides an early assessment of the impact of the shutdown on the sector.
Don’t let Covid-19 kill SA’s cultural sector and its economic value
Cultural and creative industries are being recognised for their contribution to GDP, job creation and innovation
South African Cultural Observatory releases 2nd Economic Study on Creative Industries, 20 May
The SA Cultural Observatory report, the The Economic Mapping of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 2020, shows that over 1.136 million are employed in the sector. This represents 7% of all jobs in SA. These are figures before Covid-19 pandemic which will have a bearing on employment across the economy.
Idris Elba to host Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home
YouTube and ViacomCBS Networks Africa are teaming up with actor Idris Elba to host the Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home.