SACO opens registration for 5th International Conference in Stellenbosch

Held under the theme Creative Economy Futures: Perspectives, Policies and Practices for Tomorrow, the 2025 edition promises to be a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and sector development within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). The event is a flagship gathering on the creative economy calendar, drawing together a diverse array of academics, policymakers, creatives, researchers, and industry leaders from South Africa and abroad.

The conference will adopt a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person participation in Stellenbosch and virtual access for delegates across the globe. The dual format is designed to ensure inclusivity and expand access to a wide spectrum of stakeholders in the CCIs.

According to SACO, the conference will feature a curated programme of keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and cutting-edge research presentations, all centred on shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient creative economy for the future.

“This year’s theme is a call to action for innovative thinking, policy innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration,” SACO said in a statement. “We aim to provide a meaningful platform where research meets practice, and where cultural and creative professionals can engage in strategic dialogue that influences the sector’s future.”

Call for abstracts now open

Researchers and professionals are encouraged to submit abstracts that align with the conference’s theme. The call is open to both emerging and established voices working within or around the CCIs, offering an opportunity to showcase research, share insights, and contribute to a broader discourse on the continent’s creative future.

SACO is a national public research entity tasked with producing cultural statistics and supporting the growth of the creative economy through data, analysis, and strategic development. SACO operates under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and plays a key role in monitoring the socio-economic impact of the CCIs in South Africa.

With each conference, SACO deepens its commitment to supporting evidence-based policy, fostering innovation, and strengthening networks across the creative sector.

Details about keynote speakers, special sessions, and the full programme will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, interested participants can register and submit abstracts via SACO’s official website.

SACO invites all those invested in the future of Africa’s creative industries to join the conversation in Stellenbosch this November, where ideas meet impact, and where tomorrow’s creative economy begins to take shape.

Click here for more information about SACO.