Media Statement: For immediate release 01 September 2026
The National Arts Council (NAC) is proud to partner with the Creative Cnergy Policy & Investment Symposium 2026, taking place on Thursday, 03 September 2026, in Sandton under the theme “Aligned for Impact.”
As South Africa’s primary public funder of the arts, the NAC’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing a sustainable, inclusive and thriving creative sector through strategic partnerships, policy engagement and investment that empowers artists, cultural practitioners and creative enterprises.
The symposium will bring together policymakers, government institutions, investors, development partners and industry leaders to explore practical solutions for strengthening South Africa’s cultural and creative industries. Discussions will focus on enhancing public and private investment, strengthening policy implementation and fostering collaboration that supports the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.
Representatives from the National Arts Council will participate in the symposium, engaging with stakeholders on the Council’s role in supporting artists, expanding access to funding opportunities and contributing to the development of South Africa’s creative economy.
“The National Arts Council is committed to building strategic partnerships that strengthen the sustainability and growth of South Africa’s creative sector. Creative Cnergy provides an important platform for dialogue between government, the private sector and the creative community on how we can collectively unlock investment, create opportunities for artists and position the cultural and creative industries as a significant driver of economic development. Through collaboration and innovation, we can create an enabling environment that empowers artists, particularly young creatives, to realise their full potential,” said Mr Lebogang Mogoera, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Council.
The symposium also provides an important platform for addressing the funding and policy opportunities shaping the future of the creative economy. It will feature the launch of the South African Cultural Observatory’s report, Cultural and Creative Industries Economic Trends over the Last 10 Years, offering valuable insights into the sector’s economic performance and future growth potential.
According to the South African Cultural Observatory, South Africa’s cultural and creative industries contribute an estimated R271 billion to the national economy, representing approximately 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting close to 1.4 million jobs. These figures reinforce the importance of sustained investment in the arts as a catalyst for economic growth, employment, innovation and social cohesion.
The National Arts Council remains committed to working with partners across government, the private sector and civil society to strengthen South Africa’s creative ecosystem and ensure that artists have access to opportunities that enable them to create, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the country’s social and economic development.
-ENDS-
Media Enquiries : media@nac.org.za
Website: www.nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
