Abstract
This chapter explores the role of skills development in the arts and culture
sector of South Africa to reduce gender inequality as a tool to improve local
economic development (LED). The chapter examines the importance of the
arts and culture industry, its contribution to the South African economy and
the role of gender inequality within the arts and culture sector. Existing studies
show the traditional cultural sectors contributed significantly to job creation
during the 2020 and 2021 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. This is a concern in itself, as the arts and culture sector is considerably undersupported, and much of the sector falls into the informal economy. Empowering
women in arts and culture in the informal sector may improve development
objectives in LED. This study examines feedback from the participants within
the arts and culture sector who completed a skills development programme.
Developed by the Arts and Culture Trust, the programme builds capacity in
micro-business to mid-level organisations, focusing on a range of skillsdevelopment initiatives. It was found that the programme added value. From
a gender perspective, it was found that women faced greater challenges than
men. The women identified a focus on youth, local culture and community
development initiatives as strong points of the programme, thus indicating
the importance of gender equality as a key factor contributing toward the
objectives of local economic development.