(Ashraf Johaardien. Image
credit: Jan Potgieter / stagefocus.co.za)
Playwright and arts administrator Ashraf Johaardien has been
appointed as the Executive Producer of the National Arts Festival, a newly
created role aimed at taking South Africa's premier arts event boldly into the
future.
Johaardien, currently head of Arts and Culture at the
University of Johannesburg, is no stranger to the National Arts Festival,
having written, performed and produced work across the event’s Main, Fringe and
Arena stages. His first appearance at the Festival was in the 1993 Fringe
production Suip! He has also headed
the Arts and Culture Trust, and worked in theatres in both Johannesburg and
Cape Town.
“Ashraf brings a wealth of experience and integrity as a
respected arts administrator to the Festival team – we’re delighted that he is
joining us and bringing some fresh thinking, energy and vigour to our
operations,” National Arts Festival CEO Tony Lankester said. “I’m confident
that he will play a vital role as we interrogate and reflect on our role as a
national festival, and as we strive to maintain the excellent artistic standard
set by outgoing Artistic Director Ismail Mahomed over the past eight years.”
Johaardien said: “I am an arts junkie. Nothing gets my heart
racing quite like an opening night at a theatre or gallery – largely because I
have a deep appreciation of the myriad forces that must be brought together to
breathe life into any show. The National Arts Festival has an unrivalled
reputation as the leading continental showcase of local and international
creativity. To be able play a meaningful part in that is truly amazing.”
Following Mahomed’s resignation earlier this year, the Festival’s
Board and Management have re-shaped the role of the Artistic Committee, giving
it a greater curatorial role.
“The role of Executive Producer emerged as being necessary
to give life to the Artistic Committee’s curatorial vision, and also to build
aspects of the programme that fall outside of the curation process,” Lankester
said. “Ashraf’s blend of experience is a perfect match – while he has strong
artistic sensibilities of his own, he also has the vision to forge partnerships
and co-production agreements for the Festival, navigating the complexities and
challenges that characterise the South African arts sector.”
Commenting on the challenge of aligning artistic and
curatorial freedom with the strategic needs of donors, sponsors and partners,
Johaardien said, “Stewarding and brokering partnerships that create deliberate
value is a lot like interpretative dance: it requires equal parts art, aptitude
and heart.”
Johaardien will take up the position of Executive Producer
from September 1.
(To link direct to the
NAF site click on the large banner that runs across the top of this blog)
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