Empowering Local Creatives: A Call to Action by the Minister

In a heartfelt social media post, our Minister underscored the importance of creating year-round platforms for local promoters and artists to host events. He lauded the Milk and Cookies Fest as a beacon of success and called for similar initiatives to become the norm.

“We need to create a platform for our local promoters and artists to host these kinds of events, all year round. This is the cornerstone of job creation and happiness. Congratulations to the organizers of Milk and Cookies Fest🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿,” he wrote, igniting a lively discussion within the creative sector on social media.

While the Minister’s vision was widely applauded, the comments revealed diverse perspectives, challenges, and hopes for the creative industry.

A Snapshot of the Sector’s Thoughts

• “Provided that your department supports promoters and artists, this can be done easily. Please make sure that the MGE funding does help and is transparent so the creative sector of South Africa can grow and create more jobs.”
  This comment highlights concerns over access to and transparency in funding, particularly through the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) program, which many view as crucial for the growth of the sector.
• “You can help more musicians by simply challenging the ‘music is noise’ nonsense and overregulation of live music at small venues. That’ll improve far more lives than some grand festival facilitation. Focus where the most music is (or can be) performed.”
  This perspective emphasizes the challenges faced by small venues and the importance of creating spaces for grassroots talent.
• “So true, a man with a big heart who supports everyone. I salute you. A message of encouragement that reflects the Minister’s connection with the public and his influence within the sector.
• “I was at this show last night. We had local artists opening for KAYTRANADA, but you’re right; we need a fully South African event like this. It’s January, and people are expected to be broke, but they will spend their last money for a good show. That’s seen here. I don’t trust the government to fund artists, though; nobody takes creativity as a career—they see it as a hobby not worth funding. Let’s see what you can do. You have 350 days.”
  This comment captures both the potential and skepticism regarding government support for artists, as well as the audience’s willingness to prioritize quality entertainment.
• “Government things are for those who have connections. I am a writer, but the industry rotates within the same group, and there’s nothing important they are doing that we can’t.”
  An expression of frustration with perceived gatekeeping in the creative industry.
• “It’s people that have money who attend these kinds of events. The average guy in Lawley can’t afford a ticket, let alone the transportation fare.”
  This comment highlights the affordability gap that limits access to such events for many South Africans.
• “Same promoters that don’t want to work with other artists.”
  A critique pointing to the lack of collaboration within the industry.
• “Why don’t you just do and not tell us what needs to happen…you know?”
  A challenge to move from words to action.

Balancing Celebration with Action

The Milk and Cookies Fest stands as a testament to the possibilities within South Africa’s creative sector. However, the comments make it clear that much more is needed to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. The Minister’s acknowledgment of the sector’s potential is a step in the right direction. However, to truly empower the creative community, it is crucial to address concerns like funding transparency, support for small venues, affordability for audiences, and collaboration among stakeholders. This dialogue between the government and creatives serves as a foundation for progress. It is an opportunity to turn insights into action and ensure that platforms for creativity are not just envisioned but realized.

What do you think about the Minister’s vision and the challenges highlighted by the creative sector? Share your thoughts as we continue this vital conversation.