Artists, cultural practitioners and creative industry stakeholders have an opportunity to influence the future direction of Gauteng’s creative sector as the provincial government calls for public input on its Cultural and Creative Industries Growth Strategy.
The future of Gauteng’s creative industry is a conversation that should include the people who live and breathe creativity every day. From musicians, visual artists and photographers to filmmakers, writers, designers, performers and cultural practitioners, creatives across the province are being invited to share their ideas and recommendations as the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation prepares to review the Gauteng Cultural and Creative Industries Growth Strategy.
The invitation calls on creative industry stakeholders and members of the public to submit their inputs, suggestions and perspectives to help shape the province’s approach to growing its cultural and creative industries.
For many creatives, the sector represents more than artistic expression. It is a source of employment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community development and economic opportunity. However, creatives may also face challenges relating to funding, access to infrastructure, skills development, market opportunities, digital platforms and the sustainability of their businesses.
The strategy review presents an opportunity for those working within the sector to communicate their experiences, identify barriers and recommend practical interventions that could help create a more supportive environment for creative work and enterprise.
Why should creatives participate?
Policies and strategies that affect the creative economy should reflect the realities of the people they are intended to support. This is why participation from artists, independent creatives, creative businesses, community arts organisations and cultural practitioners is important.
Whether you are an emerging artist trying to access opportunities, an established practitioner looking to grow your business, or an organisation supporting talent in your community, your experience can contribute to the discussion.
Creatives are encouraged to consider what meaningful support would look like in their respective fields. This could include improved access to funding, affordable creative spaces, equipment, professional training, intellectual property education, fair compensation, stronger distribution channels, digital development and opportunities to reach wider audiences.
Participants can also highlight the challenges faced by creatives in townships and underserved communities, as well as suggest ways to strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector, cultural organisations and creative businesses.
The aim is to ensure that the review benefits from a broad range of perspectives across Gauteng’s diverse cultural and creative landscape.
How can you make your voice heard?
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has invited stakeholders and members of the public to submit their inputs and suggestions by email. The submissions will be considered and discussed at an upcoming Indaba, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
Creatives are encouraged to consult the current strategy before preparing their contributions. Reading the document can help participants identify the areas they believe require improvement, highlight gaps and propose solutions informed by their experiences.
The current strategy can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/yc89vfeb
Submissions should be emailed to SACR.GCCISReview@gauteng.gov.za no later than 23 October 2026.
As Gauteng prepares to review its approach to the cultural and creative industries, creatives have an opportunity to contribute ideas that could help inform the province’s future direction. Rather than leaving the conversation to others, artists and industry stakeholders are encouraged to take part, articulate their needs and put forward practical recommendations.
The creative sector’s future is shaped not only by the work produced on stages, screens, canvases and digital platforms, but also by the voices of those who advocate for better conditions, opportunities and recognition.
Your experience matters. Your ideas matter. Make your contribution before the deadline and help shape the conversation about Gauteng’s creative future.
Greetings Sir/ Madam
The issue of vendor number for creatives who sent proposals has to be reviewed and also the funding has to be reviewed because it is not enough
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We must bring back Canvas and Dlala Mapatshula
Canval was the Best and Give everyone a Chance to Perform special Youth
Children Festivals young Artists
We need our Kids to be impowed
By Department of Art and Culture
A cultural commission of inquiry is needed, we have officials that are in cahoots with certain artists using different company names, that is why artists die poor and they don’t care
KUYOZE KUBE NIINI THESE SINNERS OR SHARKS CONTINUE TO MILK THE ARTISTS BUDGETS
Dealing with disability people and Epilepsy teaching them skills development carpet,knitting,beading and jewellery. Students when reach 18yrs reject them from school. Principal invited me introduced to parents after attend classes Monday to Friday from 2006 until now without benefit in Katlehong Art Centre. Need help.
Yes is true we must bring back all of this, because our youth group they don’t know nothing about this old things we talking about them,and also they’re not going to be mother’s and father’s before their time.I think that this things it will take them out of the streets and focus of their work,and if is happening at school so that they can have the carrier from school I thank you for this because our children they don’t know nothing for their future thanks so much if you bring back all this things..
I’m happy for all you want to bring to back to our children
Poetry is slowly dying in schools. The resuscitation of poetry writing, recitation or reading will empower children’s writing skills.
Dialogue and Monologue are other areas of language and grammar enhancement.
Debates should be brought back. They will help in developing courage and confidence. Most importantly, learners will enhance their skills in public speaking