Assessing the potential of the craft sector’s contribution to employment and gross domestic product in South Africa

Abstract

Visual Arts and Crafts are promoted in many developing countries as having the potential to create employment and contribute to GDP. However, results of recent cultural and creative industries (CCI) mapping study in South Africa showed that, while the Visual Arts and Crafts (VAC) domain does indeed account for a large portion of cultural occupations, its contribution to GDP is small. This paper uses national-level data to gain a better understanding of the VAC sector in terms of its actual potential for job creation in South Africa. Results show that the VAC domain does provide opportunities for the employment of women and youth, but it is more male dominated than other CCIs, and earnings are generally lower, especially for women. However, there is also some potential in more rural provinces if links to markets and tourists can be made.