Eleven partnerships were honoured at the
20th Annual BASA Awards, partnered by Hollard and Business Day, during an
arts-filled event.
These prestigious awards honour exceptional
projects that demonstrate the positive and sustainable impact of dynamic
business and arts partnerships. This year was also a moment for Business and
Arts South Africa (BASA) to celebrate its 20th year, an important milestone for
the organisation.
Twenty years ago, a partnership between
several South African corporates and the current Department of Arts and Culture
(DAC) saw the founding of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). Over the past
two decades, the association has grown to include a wide spread of different
stakeholders including 126 business members, the creative sector, organisations
within the Southern African region, and a growing slate of project-specific
partners.
Winners in this year’s award categories
provide inspiring and compelling insights into the role that the arts play in
connecting people and enabling transformation – and the different ways that
business can support this.
“The Awards this year demonstrate great
partnerships and the power of ongoing sustainability. Once again it highlights
the absolute need to ensure that the arts remain integral to our society –
growing cultural capital and social engagement,” commented Michelle Constant,
CEO of BASA.
“Hollard’s partnership with BASA is
testament to the power of business and the arts working together,” added Heidi
Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. “Fostering collaboration between
business and the arts brings positive change and enables better futures: For
artists, via the exposure that the Awards generate; for business, through the
creativity engendered by the process of working together; and for society as a
whole, through the conversation and engagement around the beautiful works that
are produced.”
“The originality manifested in the arts is
both an inspiration to businesspeople and an articulate demonstration of how
creativity can enhance human interaction and social collaboration. Tonight has
showcased just how successful this can be,” said Tim Cohen, Business Day
Editor.
The 20th Annual BASA Awards, partnered by
Hollard and Business Day, were held at Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of
Humankind World Heritage Site against the stunning natural backdrop of the
Khatlhampi Private Reserve. The day’s experience was inspired by this year’s
theme, Disruption. The guests were treated to an experience from the moment
they arrived at the venue, with memorable performances throughout the Sculpture
Park itself. They were given the time to explore this remarkable space where
nature meets art. The performances - in the form of activations – were provided
by Buskaid, Moving Into Dance Mophatong, The Field Band Foundation, Olifantland
and Vuyani Dance Company – all arts organisations which have benefited from the
positive impact of business has had on art through collaboration.
To mark the invaluable contributions BASA
has made to South Africa’s arts landscape over the last 20 years, five
illustrators - Karabo Poppy Moletsane, Imile Wepener, Ndumiso Nyoni, Johan de
Lange and Ben Grib - were commissioned to visually narrate some of the
organisation’s most significant milestones. Each of the 20th BASA Awards
trophies, which were given to the deserving recipients tonight, features one of
these beautiful illustrations.
Special thanks were extended to everyone
who has contributed to the growth and success of BASA over the last two decades
including the DAC, BASA board members, founding CEO Nicola Danby and founding
Chair, Mary Slack. Acknowledgement was also given to all the business and art
organisations that have supported and nurtured arts and culture in South
Africa.
This year’s judging panel, which comprised
Gianni Mariano, co-founder and CEO of the Mastrantonio group of companies, BASA
board member and BASA Awards Chairman; Dali Tambo, media and heritage-tourism
entrepreneur; Mandie van der Spuy, arts consultant and BASA board member; Kojo
Baffoe, founder of Project Fable and KayaFM presenter; Nicolette du Plessis,
CEO of the Field Band Foundation; Theresho Selesho, Director, Business
Development at Boondoggle SA and entrepreneur; Christina Kennedy, arts and
culture journalist and commentator; and Ismail Mahomed, CEO of the Market
Theatre Foundation, was also thanked.
“Today was a fitting and fabulous event for
an organisation with 20 years under its belt! Thank you to everyone who
supported it, and believes in the value of the arts!“ said CEO Michelle
Constant.
For more information visit http://www.basa.co.za/
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