Performing artists will find it easier to take their work on the road, reaching wider audiences around the country thanks to a joint project that plans to plough R20 million into support for the arts over the next two years, say those behind the initiative.
The Festival Enterprise Catalyst, which was launched at the Baxter Theatre on Thursday September 5, is a project involving the National Arts Festival, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidooster Fees, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees and the Tribuo Fund with support from the Jobs Fund.
Of the R20 million, R10 million comes from the Jobs Fund while the balance will come from the various festival partners.
The project’s aim was to support new theatre work by artists and help to get that work to tour while creating a sustainable income for artists, creators and technicians, said National Arts Festival CEO Monica Newton.
“This is how performing artists can create work, through live performances, though it must not just be once off, but through a circuit of work through touring,” she said.
“By working together, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that benefits artists and audiences alike.”
Lionel Kunene, from the Jobs Fund, said that as part of the National Treasury, it looked at ways in which jobs could be created. “We partner with serious players in the industry; we bring our input and funding together,” he said.
Lesego Maforah, from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), said many of the organisation’s members had raised concerns about the sustainability of the arts.
“We find this as an opportunity to play a role in a programme that is supported by the government, and supported by passionate people who operate within the festival circuit to ensure we can support sustainable livelihoods for our artists,” he said.
Concerts SA managing director Andre le Roux said the project could “catalyse the arts in the country”. He added: “We know every kind of venue in the country, and we will be working closely with the different festivals.”
