Knowledge Centre

Creative Artists 

1. Why It Matters

South Africa’s creative arts sector is a powerful economic and cultural force. It includes musicians, filmmakers, visual artists, designers, performers, writers, fashion creatives, digital creators, and cultural enterprises. Beyond shaping national identity, the sector contributes billions to GDP, supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods, and drives tourism, exports, and youth employment.

Yet most creatives operate in fragile financial conditions. Income is irregular and project based. Payments are delayed. Contracts are complex. Intellectual property is often misunderstood or undervalued. Many creatives are sole proprietors without financial training, navigating SARS, funders, platforms, agents, and sponsors on their own.

In the creative economy, financial instability is one of the biggest reasons talents disappears. One poorly negotiated contract missed tax obligation, or cashflow crisis can end a promising career.

2. Where Accountants Make the Difference

Creatives do not need accountants who treat them like traditional SMEs. They need financial partners who understand how creative work earns money.

A sector-savvy accountant can:

  • Structure creative income streams (royalties, gigs, commissions, grants, licensing).

  • Protect and account for intellectual property and usage rights.

  • Manage irregular cashflows and project-based budgeting.

  • Ensure correct tax treatment for local and international income.

  • Prepare compliant reports for funders, sponsors, and donors.

  • Advise on pricing, sustainability, and long-term career planning.

3. The CIBA Creative Arts Initiative: How We Work

Our approach is rooted in empowerment, helping creatives understand money without losing their artistic freedom.

  • Partnerships First – MoUs with creative unions, guilds, festivals, and cultural bodies.

  • Free CPD for Creative Bookkeepers – Strengthening financial administration at grassroots level.

  • CBAP Specialist Upskilling – Creative economy law, IP basics, tax, funding, and project accounting.

  • License to Operate – CIBA Creative Arts License for CBAPs who complete the programme.

4. Understanding the Numbers in the Sector

  • R90+ billion – Estimated contribution of the creative economy to GDP.

  • 300,000+ – Jobs supported directly and indirectly.

  • 60%+ – Creatives operating without formal financial support.

  • 25%+ – Average income improvement when contracts, tax, and cashflow are optimised.

3. Case Study – From Surviving to Thriving

The following is an case study on how a CBAP can add value to the creative arts industry. An independent filmmaker who produced award-winning work but remained financially unstable. Grant funds were poorly tracked, tax obligations unclear, and royalty income unmanaged. A CIBA CBAP:

  • Implemented project-based accounting for each production.

  • Structured IP and royalty income correctly.

  • Ensured full tax compliance and funding reports.

  • Introduced cashflow forecasting between projects.

Result: The filmmaker secured repeat funding, stabilised income, and scaled into a production company within 18 months.

4. Why Sector Bodies Win

Partnering with CIBA equips creative organisations with trusted financial specialists who understand artistic realities. It reduces funding clawbacks, improves compliance, and helps creatives build sustainable careers rather than short-term survival strategies.

5. Why CBAPs Win

Holding the CIBA Creative Arts License:

  • Positions you as a creative economy specialist.

  • Opens access to funded projects and sector contracts.

  • Commands premium advisory fees.

  • Builds credibility with artists, funders, and institutions.

6. Next Steps

  • For Creative Bodies → Book a meeting with CIBA to explore partnership

  • For Bookkeepers → Join the free Creative Arts CPD short course

  • For CBAPs → Apply for your Creative Arts License