THE ART OF BUSINESS PROGRAMME

Regular sessions held at BASA offices in Johannesburg.

The Art of Business Programme launched in 2008 by Business & Arts South Africa is open for ‘business’ in 2009. In partnership with Barloworld Artworks Mentoring Program it aims to provide basic information and skills to the arts sector on process and procedure, to be followed in seeking sponsorship, putting together a basic business plan, marketing of projects and the South African funding environment and fundraising.

The questions that beset artists invariably include: What is the Supporting Grant Scheme? How do I put a Business Plan together? What does Business really want? Where can I get the Artist’s Handbook?

The Barloworld Artworks Mentoring Programme has shown that there is an enormous need for the artists and organizations to sharpen their business skills if they are going to engage in the fund-raising process. The BASA workshops, as facilitated by BASA, with partners in the arts sector including Barloworld, and support from the National Arts Festival and the Africa Centre, are aimed at maximizing relationships and networks in the arts environment. This is with the view that new resources could be channelled to those organizations to reach new audiences and explore new art forms.

Through the programme, BASA hopes to support, and position information within easier reach of artists, and ultimately assist in changing the attitude and perception of potential sponsors regarding the arts and culture sector.

Sessions are held every Tuesdays from 10h00 until 15h00 at BASA offices in Newtown, Johannesburg. The sessions are free but booking is essential through Maureen Benya on 011 832 3000 or email reception@basa.co.za

More information from Tsholo Tshepe on 011 832 3000.

It would benefit KZN artists of all disciplines to attend these sessions. Perhaps get together a group to share travelling costs and head for Johannesburg?