Finalists of the 16th Annual Business Day
BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, represent an excellent cross-section
of business and arts partnerships. These have taken the spotlight with the
announcement of the finalists in the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards,
supported by Anglo American.
This year’s finalists offer a fascinating
snapshot of the varied ways businesses of different sizes can work with art
projects that cover everything from visual arts to music, film, dance,
architecture and much more.
KZN contenders include
Innovation Award: uMngeni Municipality for
Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Ukhozi FM for Unyaka Wesethembiso Season 2
Increasing Access to the Arts Award: Rainbow
Farms for Listen With Your Eyes –
Deaf Theatre Festival
Media Sponsorship Award: Ukhozi FM for Unyaka Wesethembiso Season 2
Youth Development Award: Rand Merchant Bank
for Durban Music School
Arts & Environment Award, supported by
Nedbank: uMngeni Municipality for Nelson Mandela Capture Site
“What we are clearly seeing with the
nominations for several big and medium sized enterprises is the ROI that
partnering with an arts project can bring,” comments Michelle Constant, CEO of
Business and Arts South Africa.“This is a strong signal to South African
business that working with an arts project is far more than a feel good
exercise but brings shared value.”
The organisers of the only awards
celebrating business and arts partnerships in South Africa report seeing a
noticeable increase in entries in 2013. Just under 170 arts and business
projects entered this year, an increase on the 2012 figure.
Chairman of the judging panel, Dr Andrew
Human, notes the evolution in the range and quality of entries this year: “There
is definitely far more recognition of the mutual benefit and value that arts
can lend to business, as opposed to seeing a partnership with the arts as a
charitable sponsorship. BASA is also looking at the strategic value that the
arts can play in business – and that is reflected in the kind of entries we are
starting to get.
“I was surprised by the scope of work,”
comments judging panel newcomer Fikile Moeti aka FIX. “It makes you realise how
much is happening, how much people are doing and how much originality is being
applied. Art is not only sitting in galleries. It’s everywhere – in the CBD and
out on the streets.”
A total of 12 categories were open for
entry in the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards. The Art Champion and
Chairman’s Premier Award will also be presented at a gala ceremony in
Johannesburg on August 26.
For more information call the BASA offices
on 011 447 2295 or emailinfo@basa.co.za
or go to www.basa.co.za
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