The 2026 cohort brought together ten young creatives to explore challenges within the creative economy and develop policy proposals grounded in lived experience, research and dialogue. Through collaborative policy development, stakeholder engagement and practical exercises, participants moved from identifying challenges to proposing solutions that can inform public policy and decision-making.
The cohort developed two policy proposals: one calling for greater recognition of Nama and consideration of its officialisation as South Africa’s 13th official language, and another advocating for a more formalised and professionalised framework for creative workers, including access to relevant social protection.
Delivered by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) in partnership with the British Council, the CYP Lab creates space for young creatives to move beyond being subjects of policy to becoming active contributors to the decisions shaping their work, livelihoods and communities.
