Public investment in the craft industry in South Africa: an exploration of the values of craft projects funded by the National Arts Council in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (2013-2014)

Abstract

Literature and other studies (government reports and consultancy studies) have identified the craft industry as a driver of social opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in local communities, for creative and innovative skills and the preservation of unique cultures and the heritage of the country. This research is an evaluative study which seeks to provide a response to this by considering the extent to which the above is true. This is done in relation to a number of rural and township areas of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces where interviews with National Arts Council of South Africa’s (NAC) beneficiary craft organisations were conducted. It seeks to investigate how the NAC craft funding of 2013 impacted on the value created by craft produced by beneficiaries of this funding. Furthermore, this research aims to assist the NAC in answering the question: what impact has NAC funding had on these craft organisations, and on the South African craft industry? It considers possible recommendations to re-focus the NAC’s craft funding policy in light of the findings of this research