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IN THE second instalment of what is an eight-stop national roadshow, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) heads to Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal to share insights into the organisation, its research and tools.

WHEN a colossal like Bra Ray Phiri passes on, a part of you does go because he has been part of our lives as long as we can remember. Growing up in the townships the music of Ray Chikapa Phiri gave us hope and inspired us that a better tomorrow is possible.

ARE you an emerging arts and culture organisation or individual who is active in the community, with a project/venture? Do you think your project/venture has the potential to grow? Are you between the ages of 18-35? Are you based in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng or the Free State?

INTERROGATING the world of South African fashion, photographer Johnny Lai Sang has produced images of rare complexity. On the one hand, full of the glitter and glamour of this world and yet on the other hand, a murky, darker, shadow-side emerges. This is captured through an understanding of his craft where contrasts of colour, intensity of light, the ability to focus and yet not focus the lens and an eye for alternative perspectives and vantage points contribute to an interesting show, one well worth a visit.

ARTS and Culture Minister, Mr. Nathi Mthethwa on Thursday, 13 July 2017 launched the Debut Fund Programme for emerging artists at Nangoza Jebe Community Hall in Port Elizabeth. The Fund seeks to strengthen knowledge and skills development for young artists and also give them opportunities to apply for funding to further support their ventures. The Programme is a partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the Business Association of South Africa (BASA).

A NEW vision, one that focuses on the medium of film and video, a first for this country, is perplexing, riveting and surprising all at the same time. The gallery blurb describes the show as one that “seeks to explore the various complexities of video’s relationship to the construction and perception of history and memory”.

SOUTH African Cultural Observatory (SACO) Chief Research Strategist Prof Jen Snowball’s recent paper with Serge Hasidi on cultural employment in South Africa explores the role of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in facilitating job creation and economic growth in South Africa.

HIGHLY relevant, this exhibition focuses on the plight of refugees, particularly from Africa who against terrible odds try to cross the Mediterranean and enter Europe. The treacherous waters combined with some harsh policies of the EU, notwithstanding Germany’s more open policy, has often lead to countless deaths, including children. The works by photographer Martina Gruber and paintings/mixed media work by the more well-known Zimbabwean artist Gillian Rosselli speak to these sensitive issues.

THE MARKET Theatre is South Africa’s leading creative hub for creating and presenting thought-provoking, inspiring and original South African theatre of the highest standard. Both productions on the Festival’s fringe programme have won the Standard Bank Fringe Ovation Award.

TROUBADOUR Productions, the long-standing Durban costume hiring business, has had to close.

TWO strong solo exhibitions are presented at Smac Gallery. Coleman’s sculptural work is particularly philosophical while Mapondera’s work excites in terms of a certain depth in narrative content. It is clearly in the difference of approaches that one need not see a link between the two shows, yet one must ask oneself why this co-existence.

THE Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is pleased to announce that artist and arts manager, Marcus Desando, has been appointed as its new CEO.