130 p. Examining committee chair: Patricia DeweyThis Master’s Project was completed in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts degree in Arts Management from the University of Oregon. This research project explores how planning for arts and culture at the local level can build and develop healthy communities in South Africa. The primary case study sites informing the project were the City of Johannesburg and Buffalo City Municipality in South Africa. Through the exploration of literature and sites in South Africa and the United States of America - an understanding of the models, theories, and approaches which define cultural planning are documented to assist future policy and infrastructure creation, program design, and meeting developmental mandates and objectives of local government. The intent of this project is to evoke discussion, provide a base to engage stakeholders, and contribute to the body of cultural planning literature and practice currently emerging in South Africa