Creative enterprises in South Africa are set to benefit from a R20 million joint initiative called the Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) project over the next two years.
The FEC is a joint initiative between the National Arts Festival, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidooster Fees, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunsfees (KKNK) and the Tribuo Fund, with support from the Jobs Fund.
It is meant to empower artists and stimulate better collaboration in the creative industry, and to build the capacity of creative enterprises, including supporting their creativity and promotes tourism across the country through the festival network.
According to the National Arts Festival, the project has been created with a R10 million commitment from the Jobs Fund and an additional R10 million from the partners.
The National Arts Festival Chief Executive Officer Monica Newton said this is an important moment for the arts industry.
"By working together, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that benefits artists and audiences alike," she said.
By fostering collaboration, the FEC will create a sustainable circuit for artists, and stimulate job creation within the creative sector.
By investing in new works and supporting existing productions, the project seeks to provide artists, technicians, and other creatives with consistent income opportunities and stimulate further exposure by working collectively to bring international producers to South African Festivals.
The Head of Corporate Social Investment at the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, Lesego Mafora, said providing consistent and sustainable work directly benefits the industry.
Senior Technical Advisor at the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs Fund, Lionel Kunene said while the Jobs Fund does not usually partner in this sector, it can already see real impact potential in the cultural and creative industries.
“Investing in this project will bring a level of sustainability to creative workers,” he said.
The FEC will support works in all disciplines and languages, ensuring a diverse range of creative expression.
Speaking on behalf of the Concerts SA project, Andre le Roux highlighted the importance of the creative sector for nighttime economies.
“Across the world, places with vibrant cultural scenes are places that people want to live in and visit, so the value of this initiative is not only for creatives but also for the broader economy,” he said.¥
For more information, contact:
The National Arts Festival
Cell: 0860 002 004
E-mail: info@nationalartsfestival.co.za
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