All systems go at BASA with Scale-Up and Annual Awards

Recognised internationally for its development work in support of arts, culture and creativity in South Africa, and on the African continent, the 2019 programme of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) continues to bring together the business of the arts with the art of business.

According to new CEO, Ashraf Johaardien, it’s all systems go at BASA.“I was inducted into BASA as a participant in our first project for the year, which wasConduct the Orchestra at the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival in February. Later that month, the inaugural DAC Debut Awards were presented in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the National Lotteries Council,” he says.

Nextup on BASA’s Programme for 2019 is a call for new applications for Scale-Up, a sub-programme that aims to connect creative practitioners with cultural organisations. Following that, applications open for the 22nd Annual BASA Awards, partnered by Hollard, which will once again shine a spotlight on the imaginative and diverse ways in which business partners with creative projects, events and other arts-based initiatives.

BASA Scale-Up: #BASAScaleUp #RMB #artMOVESme

BASA Head of Programmes, TumyMotsoatsoe says the idea behind Scale-Up is to interrogate the state of the arts sector, and to create a dynamic networking space in which to share ideas and strategies to increase access, create value and cultivate agency for artists. "This is the second iteration of the Scale-Up programme,an initiative that is presented in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). Through a series of webinars, site visits, events, online engagement, and workshops from May to September 2019, Scale-Up will encourage collaboration, connection and co-creation towards more meaningful engagement in the sector," Motsoatsoe explains.

Successful applicants for Scale-Up will be expected to attend all programme activities, or appoint the relevant organisational representatives to take part. The most committed individuals and organisations will have an opportunity to pitch for a grant and participation in a mentorship scheme at the end of the programme. Applications close 26 April 2019.Visit www.basa.co.za for further details and application criteria.

22nd Annual BASA Awards: #BASA22 #hollard #artMOVESme

"The partnerships, sponsorships, initiatives and support programmes recognised by the BASA Awards are critical for growth, job creation and diversity, not only for the creative sector, but also for broader society – and importantly for businesses who recognise the value of strategic arts partnerships," comments newly appointed BASA Head of Marketing, Savannah Feeke. 

"Eleven categories will be open for entry to all business and arts partnerships that were activated between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018, as well as long-term or ongoing sponsorships current during the same period. The categories are designed to recognise different business and arts partnerships – from the small to substantial." 

The categories, eligibility and judging criteria, entry guidelines, and an easy-to-use online entry form will be available via BASA’s website (www.basa.co.za) from Monday 8 April 2019. The closing date for entries is Friday 7 June 2019. The support team at BASA’s office in Johannesburg is ready to answer any queries and to assist at any point in the entry process.