Saco workshop to inform creatives and map future

YOUNG, aspiring East London creatives will have the chance to engage with researchers and various Eastern Cape tertiary institutions at the South African Cultural Observatory workshop.

The department of arts and culture initiative will kick off at the Mdantsane Arts Centre on Thursday July 27, and will explore the merge between the creative economy and development.

Saco’s eight-day nationwide roadshow – hosted by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and in partnership with Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare – will help various stakeholders further engage and share insights, trends and information.

The objective of the conference is to convene all participants from across the creative sector and economy to share research which could be used to establish trends and look to apply it in South Africa.

The workshop is open to all arts, culture and heritage sectors, including cultural and creative industries (CCI) practitioners and stakeholders; academics and researchers; interested parties from local, provincial and national government; arts managers, administrators, organisations, fundraisers and funders; event and festival organisers; and relevant stakeholders from civil society.

Saco research and strategic engagement deputy director Njabulo Sithebe said the timing of the workshop was perfect as it would kick off hot on the heels of the National Arts Festival.

“Saco is doing some groundbreaking research into the rural cultural and creative industries and the viability of a biannual or quarterly CCI Index.

“We also recently launched a free online calculator to help festival and event organisers calculate the economic impact of their events on a host economy – the cities and towns – in which their events are held.

“Our research products, tools and our frameworks for monitoring and evaluation are all free for use – and it’s vital that we reach across South Africa to share this information and show those working in the arts, culture and heritage sectors and the CCIs how the Saco can support decision-making with good information,” Sithebe said.

The workshops will spread across the country from July to October and will be hosted in Pietermaritizburg, Welkom, Paarl, Upington, Mafikeng, Vereeniging, Gauteng and Tzaneen.

Saco chief executive Richard Haines said: “We are excited to start this roadshow off in East London, but also to reach creatives across South Africa over the next few months to share content and research emanating from this very important project of the department of arts and culture.” —