The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is pleased to announce that its strategic collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has enabled 18 South African cultural practitioners to participate in a capacity-building seminar currently taking place in Beijing, China.
Hosted by the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, the seminar aims to strengthen mutual cooperation and deepen cultural understanding between China and South Africa in the areas of arts innovation, cultural exchange, and creative management.
All expenses related to the participants’ attendance, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, and local transportation in China, have been fully covered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The seminar features a dynamic programme of lectures, practical sessions, and cultural experiences designed to enhance creative and administrative skills. Participants are engaging in sessions focused on developing and presenting creative proposals, organising arts-related activities, and sharing insights through meaningful discussions and case studies with cultural professionals from both countries.
A significant portion of the seminar is exploring the role of digital technology in the arts, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and shape emerging trends within the global cultural economy. Participants are also gaining valuable insights into the management and operations of arts organisations in China, including governance, financial strategies, marketing, and the role of cultural diplomacy in advancing the creative industries.
In addition, the programme includes a series of cultural immersion experiences through visits to creative hubs, cultural parks, and heritage landmarks across China. These visits aim to deepen appreciation of China’s cultural heritage and demonstrate how the arts can be integrated into modern economic development.
The successful participants for this initiative were selected through a closed call, which invited beneficiaries of the NAC’s project funding programmes from the past two years. A dedicated NAC selection panel comprising staff and management, and chaired by a Council member, reviewed and scored all compliant submissions. Following this rigorous assessment, shortlisted candidates were submitted to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, which approved 18 participants.
This collaboration marks a meaningful milestone in the NAC’s ongoing efforts to foster international partnerships that contribute to the growth and global visibility of South African arts and culture.
The NAC extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 18 participating practitioners, whose involvement continues to strengthen cross-cultural ties between South Africa and China, while enhancing South Africa’s creative capacity and representation on the international stage.