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.
News Listing
The cultural weight of democratic destiny: Building a creative, moving Mzansi
South Africa, 30 years into democracy, faces a challenge in nurturing a culture of democracy that resonates with its youth. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) executive director Unathi Lutshaba argues that harnessing the unifying power of culture can bridge this gap and drive positive societal change. The creative economy not only fuels economic growth but also reinforces democratic values, making it a vital component in shaping South Africa's future. Through continued research, advocacy, and collaboration, SACO envisions a Mzansi where creativity and democracy thrive together.
Audiovisual Archives Training in Southern Africa with INA Call for interest
As part of funding from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), jointly with the French national audiovisual institute (INA) will implement a large-scale training programme in the audiovisual and film archives sector across 9 countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
South Africans Shine On The Global Stage
South Africa has been on a winning streak across various sporting and cultural arenas, showcasing the nation's talent and resilience on the global stage. From the Rugby World Cup to the UFC and the Grammy Awards, South Africans have been making their mark and bringing home prestigious accolades.
Café AI Report
The South African Cultural Observatory and the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation, in partnership with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) and the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture hosted a dialogue and workshop at the Tshimologong Precinct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the creative industries on 13 March 2024.
IR Roadshow On International Treaties And Obligations For Sport, Arts, Culture And Heritage
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture EC together with the national department invited the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) and various stakeholders such as CCIFSA, EC Arts Veterans, ECPACC and Bayworld Museum etc within the sector to convene for an information sharing session aimed at capacitating the department to better represent this sector on a local and international level with a further focus on building active relationships between the department and representing organisations.
The changing canvas: AI and cultivating skills for South Africa's future
South Africa's vibrant cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have long been a source of national pride and economic growth. The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) statistics that show the CCIs contribute 3% to national GDP and close to 1 million jobs is well known.
Open call: ACCES 2024 music showcases
The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) invites African musicians based on the continent to apply for an opportunity to showcase at ACCES 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, from 14 to 16 November. Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in different cities across the continent, ACCES offers a platform for performers to showcase their talent to a diverse audience of local and international delegates, including festival curators, promoters, booking agents, record labels and other influential industry professionals.
Café AI Dialogue on impact of AI on cultural and creative industries
Join the South African Cultural Observatory and the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation festival in a first of its kind discussion and workshop on and its impact on the cultural and creative industries. Brought to you by GIZ and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Animation
The South Cultural Observatory (SACO) in partnership with Animation South Africa (ASA), hosted a panel discussion titled "Elevating Animation – how to do it, together?” The objective of the workshop was to spotlight the industry and discuss what can be done to augment it moving forward.
Creativity in Cultural and Creative Industries and Innovation through the lens of the Basque Government
The Department of Culture and Language Policy, a Department of the Basque Government, invited the South African Cultural Observatory to present at the CCIs and Innovation Contrast Open Conference in Bilbao, Spain on October 25–26, 2023.
ICCROM Inception Workshop
Cultural and natural heritages are considered invaluable resources. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from promoting destinations to constructing nations.