The Nexus Between Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism And Sports

Overview

This paper draws on relevant literature and documents to examine the nexus between the arts, culture, heritage, tourism and sports; with special focus on policy implications. This is timely given the recent mergers of the National Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR) with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) into the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) which is indicative of the growing recognition of the relationships as well as potential to enhance socio-economic opportunities associated with the arenas of arts and culture (which includes heritage) and sports, as well as the tourism sector. A desktop study was primarily used to examine policy documents, research reports and academic sources.

Key themes and debates emanating from the desktop study were highlighted. The main aspect related to influential factors such as economic, socio-cultural and political dimensions. In relation to political dimensions, the policy environment emerges as important since it highlights priority areas, how concepts are conceptualized and sets strategic directions. Furthermore, political structures determine how public resources are allocated and prioritized. The power dynamics are also noted. Economic aspects include perceived economic benefits associated with the different sectors as well as the different theories and approaches (including considerations of supply and demand) that are used to examine economic impacts of the arts, culture, heritage, tourism and sports; as well as how sectors impact on and relate to each other. The focus on local economic development is also underscored. Multiplier effects are also important and related to indirect and induced economic effects. Multiplier effects also go beyond economic impacts to include social outcomes and health benefits as well. The socio-cultural dimensions highlight issues pertaining to national pride and social cohesion as well as social capital. Dominant relations and linkages in relation to arts, culture and heritage; sport and recreation; arts, culture and heritage and tourism (referring mainly to cultural tourism and heritage tourism) as well as sports and tourism (referring mainly to sports tourism); and culture and sports as well as sports heritage reveal the variations in interconnections between the different sectors. The focus on consumption also emerges as being important. Linkages to heritage is also foregrounded with a focus on sport heritage, heritagization, and place promotion and place-making.

Current projects and programs aimed at fostering relationships between arts, culture, heritage, tourism and sports are also discussed. Activities and programs associated with the Moses Mabhida Stadium is used to illustrate how a specific facility (in this case a stadium) can have sports, cultural and tourism activities. This indicates the potential for synergistic relationships. Reference is also made to Velez’s (2016) study that examines the effectiveness of arts and sports programs in the construction of positive peace in South Africa.

A key focus of the paper is on policy aspects. Barriers to the integration of the sports and arts are noted which include the status of these sectors, the profile of specific genres/ types of activities and weak policies. A brief overview of the main national policies (White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa; Revised White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage; and White Paper on Sport and Recreation for the Republic of South Africa) as well as selected provincial departmental documents is undertaken to note cross-collaboration references and limitations. There is limited reference in each of the policies to the other sectors. Tourism in particular does not prioritize cultural and sport tourism. Additionally, and more importantly, although nationally and in most provincial departments sports, arts and culture are merged, policies reflect little integration and synergies. Broader societal imperatives are highlighted in all policies that include job creation, poverty alleviation, safety and security, and social cohesion and inclusivity. Sustainability considerations are also noted.

The paper also presents recommendations for policy formulation and review as well as key aspects for a policy framework. The configuration of DSAC creates opportunities to align and integrate linkages between arts, culture, heritage and sports. There needs to be increased collaboration to acknowledge, understand, plan for and realize the tourism potential (and thereby economic opportunities) associated with the arts, culture, heritage and sports sectors. At national and provincial levels advisory and/ or technical committees should be set-up to foster linkages and collaboration that promote relationships and champion interventions and programs. A policy framework should include undertaking a needs assessment, further examination of policy gaps, stakeholder identification and consultation/ engagement/ participation, identification of a policy custodian, and development of a monitoring and evaluation system. Areas for further research are also identified which include socio-economic impact studies of programs and activities, examining sub-categories, and assessing social and heritage benefits which remain under-researched compared to economic benefits.