South African Cultural Observatory

UPCOMING EVENTS - 2023

NATIONAL EVENTS

FREE STATE

MACUFE FESTIVAL | October 2023 | BLOEMFONTEIN

Every year in early October, Bloemfontein (now known as Mangaug) comes alive to the deep rhythm and soulful beat of the Macufe African Cultural Festival. This Festival lasts for an impressive 10 days and gives local and international talent a chance to shine.

MPUMALANGA

the canimambo free form music & arts festival

This festival has been designed to explore and showcase the talent that is treasured within the borders of the African continent. But it's not about rules. This is about free expression, grey areas, colouring outside the lines, so to speak. These include artists that specialise in spary-painting, sketching, drawings, paintings, singing, drumming, playing a stringed instrument, and much more. Being part of the festivities promises to be fun, not only for those who really appreciate art and music, but for the whole family.

EASTERN CAPE

 

Chamions of all dance festivals | 6-7 october 2023 | Port ALFRED

Platform for dancers from the age of 4 to 19+, from the beginner dancer to the more advanced competitive dancer. Dance for a medal, certificate and score sheet provided by top class adjudicators. Dance for section trophies awarded to best section dancers, best group, best school with the most entries, best school with the best spirit during the "festival". Junior and senior section winners will be awarded with trophies. Best duet, trio, quartet etc during the festival will be awarded with a throphy and medals. Fun filled festivals being held on a professional manner.  Dancers can either register for a lot of dances and participate in several item solo's, duets, trio's, groups etc or dancers can only be part of the opening ceremony for Champion of All

GAUTENG

The national school of art | 14-17 september | joburg

Diverse Dance Styles: Join us for a fusion of dance styles, from ballet to contemporary, Afro-Fusion and Spanish.

Top Choreographers: Educators Laura Cameron and Gillian Bonegio join forces with Thami Tshabalala and Mark Hawkins.

MOSIAEK EXPO | 19 OCT - 4 NOV | RANDBURG

Mosaiek Expo will showcase Books, Greeting Cards, Paper Crafts, Scrap Booking, Jewellery, Clothing, Adult & Children, Ceramics, Mosaic, Glassware, Fabric Painting & Pewter. 

JOZI BOOK FAIR | 28 OCTOBER | JOHANNESBURG

The festival provides a platform for readers, writers, artists, school youth, children, adults and the public. The festival is organised around the JBF's work with its constituencies and the public throughout the year. The Jozi Book Fair annual event includes book launches, conversations with writers, art and literature exhibitions, a networking space for small publishers'; a discussion forum of reading circles, especially youth groups from townships in South Africa; and a space for local writers to interact with writers from Africa and the world.

NORTHWEST

AARDKLOP NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL | 3-8 october | potchefstroom

The Aardklop National Arts Festival in Potchefstroom offers a wide variety for festival-goers from huge concerts at the new festival grounds to an outstanding theatre programme. Expect theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and crafts. Traditionally, only hosted in Potchefstroom but can now also be attended in Pretoria and Linden (Johannesburg) at our pop-up festivals.

WESTERN CAPE

 FAME WEEK AFRICA | 3-9 SEPTEMBER | cape town

FAME Week Africa, in the Host City of Cape Town, is an essential destination for African and global creative professionals and features content sessions, music showcases, film screenings, exhibitions and a variety of networking opportunities. Conferences and festivals will celebrate the convergence of the tech, film, television, animation, and music industries.

THROUGH OUR EYES | 1-30 SEPTEMBER | IZIKO MUSEUM GROOT CONSTANTIA

Join the Iziko Education Centre in celebrating culture and art through the eyes of indigenous Khoe and San arts this heritage month. Explore indigenous contemporary art unsolicited and uninfluenced. Curated in collaboration with the Koena Art Institute.

the rocking with the daisies music festival | 6-8 october | CAPE TOWN

Being South Africa's premier eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival, Rocking the Daisies raises the bar every year, incorporating innovative environmentally conscious products into the festival and spreading the message of "play hard, tread lightly". Rocking the Daisies has made it its mission not only to educate others on greener lifestyles but also how to take it home and incorporate it into their own lives.

CAPE TOWN SQUAD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | 11 OCTOBER | CAPE TOWN

This is an independent short film festival based in Cape Town, South Africa that takes place annually. The festival is hosted by actors and filmmakers Natasha Mayet and Jacques Adriaanse. The second annual Cape Town Squad International Film Festival will take palce in Novemeber at the Grand Daddy Hotel. The theme this year is "The Future of Film & AI". Last year we had films from South Africa and worldwide including countries such as the UK, Morocco, China and USA.

VIRTUALLY 

VIRTUALLY YOURS #23 | 9 SEPTEMBER | GOETHE-INSTITUT JOHANNESBURG

A series of online discussions with honoured author Zukiswa Wanner, through which she explores contemporary African literature with authors. To join the gathering register on Virtually Yours#23

More News
Research week Research week

Nelson Mandela University hosted their second annual Research Week on 11-15 September 2023 as part of their continued effort to foster engagement and partnership to contribute to the research culture within the institution.

Honouring Mandela - A Day To Give Honouring Mandela - A Day To Give

On Mandela Day, Gelvandale High School hostel received assistance from the South African Cultural Observatory, Nelson Mandela University, and other various organizations.

SAMA Professionalisation Workshop 21 - 22 August 2023 SAMA Professionalisation Workshop 21 - 22 August 2023

The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in a discussion with the stakeholders in the Museum industry on the professionalization of heritage in South Africa. The discussion was aimed at finding ways to professionalize the work Museums do in SA. The Museum stakeholders would like their work to be qualified by SAQA so that when they enroll students, they (students) can come out with a qualification that is graded.

Spring into heritage – culture helps us leap ahead Spring into heritage – culture helps us leap ahead

KNOWING where we come from and who we are is what culture is. The repetition of rituals, beliefs, practices, and how we share knowledge is culture in motion.

Exchange on Research Topics and Needs for the Animation Sector and potential Collaboration with GIZ and Animation SA Exchange on Research Topics and Needs for the Animation Sector and potential Collaboration with GIZ and Animation SA

The local gaming sector is in its infancy with most companies under ten years old. As part of disseminating its research, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in an exchange workshop with GIZ and Animation SA.

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