BASA2295

2017 sees Business and Arts South Africa (NPC) celebrate twenty years of arts business partnerships, with an invigorated focus on growth, research, connectivity and celebration that confirms the organisation’s standing as a leader on the African continent. Conceived in 1997 as a partnership between several South African corporates and the now Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), BASA has evolved over the past two decades 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. “This is a year of celebration and we’re thrilled to be able to acknowledge those organisations and individuals who have played an integral part in our evolving and changing organisation,” comments BASA CEO, Michelle Constant. “Our vision has always been to elevate the importance of the arts in society, and we are fully focused on that as we prepare for the journey forward.” One of the elements of the year-long celebration is the 20th Annual BASA Awards, in partnership with Hollard. “Our annual awards are always a highlight on the arts calendar – providing a reason to celebrate excellence in business and arts partnerships over the preceding year,” says Andre Le Roux, newly-elected BASA chairman. “This year, however, we will also use the occasion to celebrate all those who have contributed to the growth and success of BASA over the past two decades – our dedicated board members, our founding CEO, Nicola Danby, and Chair Mary Slack, and the pioneering businesses and art organisations that were there from the very beginning. The awards this year will also reveal insights into our strategy for the next five years and so provide a glimpse into BASA’s future.” Celebrating and acknowledging the support of the Department of Arts and Culture will form an important element of a landmark year, which will see BASA focus on four key areas - …

February 3rd 2017: The second iteration of Business and Arts South Africa’s Conduct an Orchestra Initiative was a resounding success with six business and cultural leaders bravely stepping up to the rostrum to conduct the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra. Under the confident guidance of renowned conductor and BASA Board member Richard Cock, the Linder Auditorium’s Space Frame echoed with the sounds of the diverse repertoire selected by the novice conductors. Ismail Mahomed, CEO of the Market Theatre, took on Strauss’ Radetzky March while Kelly Jackson, GM for Contiki SA, led the orchestra through Bach’s Air from suite in D major. Slavonic Dance No 8 by Dvorák was the choice of Laurent Miraucourt, Hyperion Analyst in the banking industry, and Strauss’ popularity was confirmed with Moving Into Dance’s Artistic Director Mark Hawkin’s selection of Tritsch Tratsch Polka. A proudly South African moment came when Tim Nuttall, Rector of St Stithians College turned in a rousing rendition of the South African National Anthem, and the versatility of the orchestra was on display for all to see with the choice of Margie Whitehouse, Chief Marketing Officer South African Tourism - It's My Life by Bon Jovi accompanied by Richard Cock on vocals. An arts-based initiative that is growing in popularity, Conduct an Orchestra forms part of the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival. The impetus for the event – which made its debut in 2016 – comes from the real similarities between the role of a business leader and a conductor. “Both are based around getting immense satisfaction and success through other people’s accomplishments,” explains Cock. Through diverse insights the conducting exercise provides an entertaining way for senior managers to think about their own organisations and leadership skills. Conduct an Orchestra is another way Business and Arts South Africa is profiling the enduring and diverse possibilities of business and arts partnerships. It is a …

With just two weeks until entries closed, the race to see which partnerships triumph at the 19th Annual BASA Awards, partnered by Hollard & Business Day, is gaining momentum. Entries into this year’s awards have now been extended to 20 June 2016, with the entry process made easily accessible through a streamlined online system. A dedicated point-of-contact at BASA’s Joburg office is also available to assist with any queries. Over the past eighteen years, a long list of winners have benefited from the prestige that comes from being named a winner in South Africa’s leading awards event celebrating business and arts partnerships. “We always aim to make our awards evening a fantastic night out for the business and arts community, as well as members of the public sector” comments Michelle Constant, BASA CEO. “It’s the one time in the year that the many different ways that the two sectors create shared value is put in the spotlight and celebrated. “More than that, though, the awards provide nominees with an opportunity to gain increased exposure and give the broader South African community insight into the innovative, exciting and creative ways that business partners with the arts community.” In keeping with BASA’s reputation as a development agency with its eye firmly on the future, there are several exciting additions to the 19th Annual BASA Awards, partnered by Hollard & Business Day. Among these is the Beyond Borders Partnership Award, which will be awarded to a global-level partnership that builds brand reputation and audience for both the business and an arts organisation across international borders. Another is the Cultural Tourism Award, supported by Nedbank, which recognises business support of arts and culture projects which contribute towards the growth of communities and jobs, and support the opportunities provided by local tourism. “Our judges look at everything from innovation to sustainability and the shared value when assessing …