Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) stands as a beacon of collaboration, bridging the gap between businesses and the vibrant tapestry of the arts for more than two decades. At the heart of this collaboration lies the BASA Supporting Grants Programmes, a visionary initiative that has been instrumental in forging impactful partnerships between businesses and artists, activating creative endeavors across the country.
With the support from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), this programme has been instrumental in nurturing the creative landscape, extending a lifeline of over R46 million to 1,765 beneficiaries. The supporting grants programme has attracted R590 million in sponsorships from the business sector, showcasing the strong synergy between business and creativity.
Here, we shine a spotlight on some of the latest cycle 4 beneficiaries, whose creativity and passion are testament to the transformative potential of collaboration:
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is the primary educational funding initiative of the Trust, aimed at supporting young emerging creatives in South Africa to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions. The program aims to empower youth by enabling them to access higher education, develop their creative careers, and fulfil their potential. https://act.org.za/nyoloha/
Magic and Imagination in South Africa’s Schools
“Magic and Imagination in South Africa’s Schools” is a project consisting of two parts: an educational program in Johannesburg’s inner-city schools and a production of “The Lion King JR” by the National Children’s Theatre’s (NCT) youth company. The project aims to ignite a passion for storytelling and establish sustainable theatre programs in disadvantaged schools. For more information: https://nctheatresa.org/
Hermanus FynArts 2024
Hermanus FynArts is a vibrant celebration of creativity across various forms such as visual arts, music, literature, cuisine, and performance, set in a picturesque location. The festival offers a diverse program including theatre, live music, art exhibitions, talks, workshops, and culinary experiences. https://hermanusfynarts.co.za/
The Baxter Theatre Centre at The University of Cape Town
The production garnered rave reviews in Germany, with media praising its fresh perspective and powerful execution. Currently finalizing casting, rehearsals for the South African premiere begin on February 26, 2024, with shows scheduled at The Baxter Pam Golding Theatre from April 8 to May 4, 2024. For more information: https://baxter.uct.ac.za/
Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts
FEDA Ltd. is a one-act play festival aimed at high school students, providing them a platform to highlight original or scripted pieces. With a 19-year history, the festival emphasizes creative autonomy for participants. Industry professionals offer detailed feedback after each performance. For more information: http://www.fedafestival.co.za/
Latitudes Curator Lab
Latitudes Curator Lab is an online curatorial residency program aimed at emerging curators. It provides practical experience and skill development for aspiring curators, focusing on fostering professional practice skills for young curators in Africa. No formal training is required, but practical curatorial experience is preferred. For more information: https://editorial.latitudes.online/blog/posts/rmb-latitudes-curatorlab-2024/
OpenStudios Joburg
OpenStudios.Joburg is a decentralized art fair held in Johannesburg’s Central Business District over two days. It utilizes a hop-on-hop-off shuttle system to help guests navigate the city and participating art spaces. In 2023, it attracted over 2300 visitors, with 10% from outside Johannesburg and 8% international. The META Foundation manages the event. For more information: https://www.meta-foundation.co.za/
2024 Cassirer Welz Award
The Cassirer Welz Award recognizes emerging visual artists, offering the winner a three-month residency at the Bag Factory and a solo exhibition. This opportunity fosters creative and professional growth through mentorship and skills development. Established artists like Blessing Ngobeni and Asanda Kupa have benefited from this award. For more information: https://www.bagfactoryart.org.za/
Hessequa Harmonie Festival
The 7th Hessequa Harmonie festival, held in Heidelberg, South Africa, focuses on classical music, art programs, choral workshops, and theatre. It occurs during Heritage Month (September) and aims to facilitate interactions between top-class and local artists. The festival includes spoken word and theatre experiences, making high-quality art accessible to rural areas. For more information: https://www.hessequaharmonie.co.za/
Dark Arts Curfew Club
The Dark Arts Curfew Club is a live performance initiative that supports jazz musicians by funding their concerts directly. These performances are free for the audience, aiming to build support for the South African jazz scene. It prioritizes simplicity and high impact, channelling all funds into concerts. Events are held at Chiesa di Pazzo Lupi, which provides venue support including staff, security, and coordination. For more information: https://www.instagram.com/the_dark_arts_club/
Tankwa Artist Residency Climax
Climax is a joint project in alignment with the 2024 Artscape residency, geared toward building on the work produced over the span of the AIRSA residency and funded in kind by Tankwa Tented Camp. Conceived as a conceptual and physical resource, to housework from previous residencies. For more information: https://tankwaartscape.co.za/
Soundbar Music Program and Festival
The Sound Bar platform is designed to revolutionize the music industry by providing a space for artists to connect, collaborate, and access resources. It consists of two main components: the Soundbar music program and a market access program. The market access program involves facilitating opportunities for a group of 15 musicians to reach audiences over six months, including performances at various events and venues. For more information: https://qhconsultants.co.za/
Umbono Film Screenings
Umbono Film Screenings aims to bridge the gap between audiences and non-commercial local film content, industry standards, and contributors. Its primary objectives include audience and youth development, education on local content and creative industries, and fostering economic growth in the creative sector. For more information: https://www.instagram.com/loveinfinitymedia/
Vryskut
Vryskut is an initiative aimed at empowering young theatre professionals by offering them comprehensive training and hands-on experience before and during the Vrystaat Arts Festival. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the theatre industry. For more information: https://vrystaatkunstefees.co.za/vryskut/
Dance for all Training programmes.
Dance for All (DFA) training programmes offer high-quality dance instruction to disadvantaged children and youth in South Africa, including those facing poverty, unemployment, inadequate schooling, substance abuse, and violence. These programmes, operating in rural areas and townships in the Western Cape, aim to provide real career opportunities in the arts industry by training participants to become professional dancers, teachers, administrators, and choreographers. www.danceforall.co.za
Scarcity Season
The Scarcity Season features four captivating works by renowned South African choreographer Dada Masilo, alongside pieces by other international choreographers. Masilo’s debut piece for Joburg Ballet, “Salomé,” is highlighted alongside works by Hannah Ma, Jorge Pérez Martínez, and Craig Pedro. These pieces delve into themes of scarcity and its impact on South African society, exploring issues like service delivery, dignity, memory, identity, and self. For more information: https://www.joburgballet.com/