Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), in partnership with the British Council South Africa, has announced the launch of the Creative Youth Policy Lab, a 10-week online programme aimed at strengthening structured youth participation in cultural and creative sector policy development.
The programme brings together 10 young creatives (ages 20–35) from Gauteng into a targeted learning and policy engagement process focused on policy development, advocacy, and civic participation within the creative economy.
Running from 24 June to 13 August 2026, the Creative Youth Policy Lab combines two SoCreative Africa learning modules, a short course on AI and cultural policy, and facilitated workshops through which participants develop policy proposals addressing priority challenges in the sector.
The initiative is designed to support stronger alignment between policy frameworks and implementation realities, while creating structured pathways for youth participation in sector development processes.
“Youth are typically not involved in policy making, and yet they make up a large part of the creative sector. The Creative Youth Policy Lab reflects BASA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening meaningful youth participation in the cultural and creative economy. With our partners, the British Council, we aim to ensure that the lived experiences of young creatives are better reflected in policy thinking and implementation processes that shape the sector,” says Beth Arendse, CEO of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA).
“This partnership with BASA reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting inclusive and evidence-informed cultural policy development. The Creative Youth Policy Lab provides a practical mechanism for young creatives to engage with policy processes, strengthen their skills, and contribute to shaping a cultural economy that responds to both current realities and emerging trends,” says the British Council South Africa.
South Africa’s cultural and creative sector is supported by established policy frameworks; however, gaps between policy intent and implementation continue to affect the extent and effectiveness of youth participation in decision-making processes.
This continues to limit the contribution of young creatives in shaping policy outcomes in a sector in which they are key participants and stakeholders.
The Creative Youth Policy Lab responds to this gap by providing a structured platform for skills development, policy engagement, and direct interaction between young creatives and sector stakeholders, including policymakers.
The programme will conclude with an in-person convening in Gauteng, where participants will present their policy proposals to relevant government stakeholders and submit their outputs for consideration at the Creative Futures Summit in September.
About Business and Arts South Africa
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) is South Africa’s leading connector and catalyst at the intersection of business and the arts. We exist to unlock value-driven partnerships that position creativity as a powerful driver of economic growth, innovation, and social impact. As a trusted intermediary, BASA convenes business, artists, cultural organisations, policymakers, and investors to shape a creative economy that is inclusive, investable, and future-fit.
About British Council
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories. In 2024–25 we reached 600 million people.
Ms. Sinenhlanhla Mdiya , Marketing and Communications Manager: Business and Arts South Africa│Email: sinenhlanhla@basa.co.za│ Cell: +27 83 625 5323
