Creative Economy Funding Landscape_Business Development - Landscape Shifts In South Africas Creative Economy

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic, whether by choice or force, has offered organisations and government entities an opportunity to re-evaluate their approach, priorities, and focal areas for internal and external development. Within the creative economy of South Africa, this re-evaluation has led to thematic shifts, as well as to the questioning of how the funding landscape functions and how it can make the sector more sustainable for all. This research is commissioned jointly by British Council and BASA (Business and Arts South Africa NPC) and it focuses on the current funding landscape of the creative economy in South Africa.

The research was conducted over a six-week period and was accomplished primarily using desktop research and interviews with twelve people from the sector. The specific interviewees were selected based on the perspectives they could offer, from government institutions, creative organisations, and as creative practitioners. The interviews were qualitative and intended to gain insights into what the overlapping thematic changes, opportunities and challenges may be.

An overview of the two organisations was provided, allowing a basis for analysis and scope of work for the research. The overview guided the recommendations, using examples of approaches that could potentially be implemented by British Council and/or BASA.

Across all SMMEs, including those within the creative and cultural industries, similar challenges are being faced, such as a lack of vibrant markets, lack of access to finance, and low levels of entrepreneurial and management skills.

Based on both the desktop research and the interviews, the following thematic shifts for funders (government, institutions and private) were discovered:
1. Entrepreneurship and job creation
2. Climate change
3. 4IR and digital development

The thematic focal areas seem to follow trends that are being seen globally, with a focus on income generation and economic growth opportunities, the impact of climate change, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution shifting how, why, and where we work.

The key recommendations given for British Council and BASA on their approach to their business development strategies were:
1. Partnership is key
2. Think entrepreneurially
3. Start with what you have
4. Long-term thinking and vision
5. Look outside the arts and culture sector

There is a shift in thinking taking place within the funding landscape of the creative and cultural industries of South Africa. It is a shift that is strongly influenced by the thematic focal areas and by the impact the Fourth Industrial Revolution currently has on how we partner and what a partnership actually means.

Many of the changes seen in the funding landscape of South Africa are not surprising and were evident prior to COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 has simply accelerated these changes. New ways of thinking about work, networks, and impact have resulted in shifts to the way organisations provide, and apply for, funding. These changes offer key opportunities for new partnerships that can allow different entities to come together with unique offerings and strengths.

Although we are faced with many challenges in a post-COVID society, there are also many opportunities to re-evaluate how and why we work. This research offers insights into some of the thematic shifts that are evident in the funding landscape of the creative economy of South Africa, as well as changes in approach to that funding, partnerships, and strategies to develop the sector.