The socio-economic impact of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK)

Abstract

Events and festivals are hosted with the expectation that they hold many benefits for the host communities. These benefits include employment, income generation, and increasing tourist numbers, thereby improving the quality of life of the host community. However, little is known about the socio-economic impact of arts festivals, especially in the South African context. Hence, the purpose of this article was to determine the socio-economic impact of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) on the community of Oudtshoorn. This festival is the largest arts festival, both in terms of visitor numbers as well as income generation, in South Africa. In order to achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: firstly, a community survey; secondly, a business survey; and, finally, a visitor survey. The results indicate that the KKNK contributes significantly to the economy and community of Oudtshoorn. From a social point of view, however, the respondents indicated that the festival benefits the community more than the individual. To increase the positive socio-economic outcomes of the KKNK, the festival organisers have to focus on greater participation by, and communication with, all stakeholders, especially the local community.