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In 1997 Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) created lead project called Cultural Industries Growth Strategy (CIGS) which identified the following cultural industries: Craft, Music, Film, Publishing and later included Design, Visual Arts and Performing Arts. The CIGS, as Governments’ initiative, has concentrated on developing strategies for the growth and development of the Creative industries, in particular to realise the potential to create an export market and employment.
Although definitions are always open to debate, United Kingdom definition is one of creative industries which ‘have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property’ (The Creative Industries Mapping Document, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, UK, 1998). This definition includes that following sectors:
- advertising
- architecture
- the art and antiques market
- crafts
- visual arts
- design
- designer fashion
- film and video
- interactive media (e.g. computer games, electronic publishing)
- music
- the performing arts
- publishing
- software computer services
- television and radio
The Creative Industries Project, the DAC initiative, is a process that exposes the economic impact of the creative industries. Furthermore, it provides the economic data which shows the current value of creative economy. But it goes further because it can also show the economic potential of the sector, the value that is being lost and where the sector needs support to grow and realize its potential. The rational for mapping in South Africa is about repositioning and mainstreaming creative industries into broader government goals to ensure economic development, social cohesion and nation building.
The project is currently piloted in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu/Natal provinces with the intention to roll it over South Africa.
For more information regarding the Creative Industries Mapping Projects, contact the Chief Directorate: Cultural Development at Tel: 012-441-3469.
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