(Bongani Tembe, Commissioner-General of the SA-UK Seasons)
After an open call for applications in South Africa and
United Kingdom in October 2014, which attracted more than 400 submissions, about
40 projects were selected by the SA-UK Seasons’ joint organising committee to
be part of the 2015 joint artistic programmes between South Africa (SA) and the
United Kingdom (UK). In addition, the SA
Season in the UK comprised about 40 projects and British Council Connect ZA
comprising over 20 projects in 2015.
A project between the British Council and the South African
Department of Arts and Culture, The SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015 was a
multifaceted bilateral collaboration between the two nations, with a particular
focus on artistic and creative capacity building and relationship development intended to raise cultural relations
between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture, Deputy
Director General Maseapo Kganedi said: “The Department is delighted at the
success of the SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015. Clearly these Seasons are
fulfilling their objective, which includes connecting new generations of
creative professionals and audiences in SA and the UK. Perhaps more crucially,
these Seasons promote the fostering of skills transfer and development and
sharing expertise for the growth and sustainability of the arts and culture
sector.”
The British High Commissioner to South Africa, Her Excellency
Mrs Judith Macgregor, said: “We are all impressed with the amount of
collaborative projects between South Africa and the UK that are already in the
making. What is surprising but wonderful is the fact that these projects span
across all artistic disciplines, such as the visual arts, theatre, dance,
cinema, literature, music and creative economy and are not centred on only one
or two creative disciplines. The standards of these projects are very high and
with the SA-UK Seasons’ support are sure to be successes.”
Some 19 projects received partnership support grants and 22
projects were issued Creative catalyst grants to further develop these projects
and partnerships within the arts. There is a total fund of R6 million allocated
to the SA-UK Seasons 2014 &2015 Joint Projects.
Colm McGivern, Country Director, British Council South
Africa, said: “All of these
successful projects address the importance of strengthening existing
relationships and creating new connections within the arts. It is to our mutual
benefit to see such valuable skill transfer happening between our two nations.
This is fundamental in what the SA-UK Seasons aim to achieve.”
Commissioner-General of the SA-UK Seasons, Bongani Tembe
added: “With regards to showcasing and promoting the SA and UK arts and
culture, the programme has presented works that challenges and updates
perceptions of contemporary culture and creativity in both countries. In 2014
more than 450 artists participated in prestigious festivals and events across
both countries, and the projects of 2015, just announced, will further
strengthen this constructive engagement.”
The SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015 was made possible because
of the eager and talented creatives who see the need for developing the arts; the
benefits of forging cross-border relationships, and building a solid platform
to ensure the arts live on for future generations.
For more information about the SA-UK Seasons and projects,
contact info@saseasons.com or visit www.southafrica-unitedkingdom.com
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