Socio-economic impacts of festivals and events: A case study of the mzansi golden economy programme in South Africa

Abstract

The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme in South Africa is intended to unlock the arts, culture and heritage sector to create sustainable jobs and economic development as well as address social cohesion. This research focuses on one of the main sub-categories, the Festivals and Events Grant Programme of the MGE and investigates the programme for a three year funding cycle period. The methodological approach included an examination of 30 organiser reports submitted to DAC and indepth interviews to examine the spatial distribution, amount and number of years of funding received, types supported, job creation and socio-environmental impacts of the Festivals and Events. A spatial spread across South Africa's nine provinces, different types and sizes of Festivals and Events, job creation, and variation in funding (with reliance on public funding) were noted. The Programme meets the broader objectives of the MGE to contribute to increased diversity of cultural offerings.