Welcome to the Debut Programme: Empowering Emerging Artists in South Africa! At the heart of BASA's dynamic relationship with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture lies a defining programme - The Debut Programme. Unparalleled in its mission, this programme is dedicated to providing emerging artists from all nine provinces of South Africa with vital business and entrepreneurial skills. Our commitment is simple but powerful: equipping participants with diverse skills encompassing everything they need to bring their creative business ventures to life and sustain them in the long run. Divided into three transformative phases - Kickstarter, Hlanganisa, and Catalyst - the Debut Programme follows a systematic approach to mentoring our artists. We ensure they gain full-scale access to essential information and valuable networks, guiding them every step of the way, from the spark of an idea to the successful implementation of their ventures. Join us on this incredible journey as we empower artists, foster creativity, and fuel innovation across South Africa. Let's build a brighter, more vibrant future for the arts!

DEBUT PROGRAMME 2023/4

Kickstarter Phase

he Debut Programme kicked off on April 15th with the Kickstarter Training, marking its official launch for 450 participants. This phase provided participants with a robust toolkit designed to transform their creative ideas into thriving ventures. Through the ABCD Paradigm and Lean Canvas Model, the workshop aimed to uncover abundant opportunities within and around the participants.

The Kickstarter Workshop delivered an engaging week-long experience, featuring group activities, case studies, and insightful videos. Participants embarked on a journey to explore their ideas, dissecting essential elements crucial for their development. Throughout the workshop, they were introduced to new models, terminology, and inspiring success stories of artists who started from humble beginnings.

Following the workshop, the Kickstarter Mentorship phase took place from April 22nd to 26th, offering personalized guidance to aspiring creative entrepreneurs. Participants subsequently submitted their Kickstarter Assignments, showcasing their newly acquired skills and creativity. These assignments were evaluated, leading to 205 outstanding participants advancing to the Hlanganisa Phase. This milestone propels us into the next stage of the Debut Programme, scheduled to commence on July 15th.

Watch Debut Programme Welcome Event
Debut Facilitators 2024
Debut Provincial Liaisons 2024

Hlanganisa Phase

The Debut Programme is structured into three key phases – Kickstarter, Hlanganisa, and Catalyst.

During the Hlanganisa Phase, participants will delve into working sprints, an agile method for testing a service or product. They will further develop their skills in launching a new creative business venture. The 205 participants from all nine provinces of South Africa can anticipate refining their expertise in the following areas:

  • Generating bootstrapping ideas
  • Registering a business
  • Creating a marketing plan
  • Setting targets
  • Researching and building a brand identity
Debut Programme Microsite
Meet 205 participants

FIND OUT MORE

Frequently Asked Questions Read More
Debut Programme 2021/2 Read More

The Debut Programme is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.