Art and technology have a complex but meaningful history of working together and influencing one another. In many ways, they have evolved alongside each other to arrive at their place in the South Africa today; a digital age where they constantly overlap and portray new ideas.
This startup huddle will discuss how the innovations in technology have directly impacted the South African creative arts industry and will continue to do so in the years to come.
1. Defining the Creative Industry
The creative industries are defined as those industries that are based on individual creativity, skill and talent with the potential to create wealth and employment through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property. The creative industries include architecture, arts and
crafts, design, fashion, film, video, photography, music, performing arts, publishing, research & development, software, computer games and electronic publishing.
2. How technology is influencing creative arts today
Technology is redefining art in strange, new ways. Works are created by people moving through laser beams or from data gathered on air pollution. Artists are also using technology to create new forms of art such as net art and virtual reality. Technology has also made art far more accessible. With every new evolution in technology, art changes too. However, this doesn’t just apply to their production.
3. How technology is changing the way art is viewed, shared, consumed and subsequently sold.
The way art is viewed, shared, consumed and subsequently sold is constantly transforming too. Technology has made art far more accessible. Just like with countless other aspects of modern life, the internet has allowed art to be consumed in a more direct way, opening the industry to a wider and more diverse audience. Technology is also changing the way art is bought and sold from the basics of where and how a sale happens and is paid for to more
complex instances like what ownership is actually exchanged in the sale of an artwork. As technology fundamentally changes these processes it creates an environment for innovative business models and value creation.
3. How technology is changing the way art is viewed, shared, consumed and subsequently sold.
The way art is viewed, shared, consumed and subsequently sold is constantly transforming too. Technology has made art far more accessible. Just like with countless other aspects of modern life, the internet has allowed art to be consumed in a more direct way, opening the industry to a wider and more diverse audience. Technology is also changing the way art is bought and sold from the basics of where and how a sale happens and is paid for to more
complex instances like what ownership is actually exchanged in the sale of an artwork. As technology fundamentally changes these processes it creates an environment for innovative business models and value creation.
4. How technology has impacted the South African creative arts industry
The growth of South Africa’s cultural industries depends on broader state policies. The article mentions that since democracy, South Africa’s primary, secondary and higher education curricula have marginalized arts and culture subjects. They compete with science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects for funding and attention. The article also suggests that the growth of digitalization across the world has transformed the African
creative industry, bypassing geographical barriers and allowing access to creative products like film and music across the world.
5. “CreaTech’ – where creativity meets technology
-Creative Economy growth
-film policy workshops with film commissioners and policy makers
-series of expert-led discussions, fireside chats, and creative showcases
-show how the creative industry in South Africa can contribute to economic growth.
-Creators such as musicians, comedians, designers, and others that leverage social
media platforms to reach audiences directly and monetise the access are an important part of this industry.