Unlocking the Potential of Private-Public Partnerships in Business and Arts: 26th BASA Awards Finalists Announced
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) proudly reveals the exceptional finalists for the 26th Annual BASA Awards, honoring transformative partnerships between the realms of business and the arts. BASA, founded in 1997 as a collaborative endeavor between government and the private sector, continues its mission to cultivate innovation and mutual growth in South Africa through the arts. This year, the live announcement of the 48 finalists (24 partnerships) took place at the Living Room in Maboneng, heralding a return to in-person engagement and paving the way for the final award ceremony, scheduled for October 2023 at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) in Cape Town.
The BASA Awards highlight the importance of private-public partnerships in not only advancing artistic expression but also in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. By recognizing and celebrating these outstanding initiatives, BASA encourages more businesses and government entities to embrace the power of collaboration, emphasizing that together, we can unlock South Africa’s vast creative potential while simultaneously driving meaningful change in our communities and beyond.
New collaborators, including The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Heineken Beverages, British Council South Africa, Sunglasses Hut, Radisson Red, TWYG, and Zeitz MOCAA, joined entrants and honorees at the Finalists Announcement luncheon. BASA CEO Ashraf Jacobs-Johaardien emphasized the pivotal role of partnerships, remarking, “There is a unique power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners. Partnerships are like DNA – they carry the code of shared values, mutual goals, and the potential to create something remarkable. As we celebrate this year’s finalists, we are also thrilled to welcome new partners on board for the BASA Awards itself.”
The heart of the BASA Awards lies in the extraordinary results born from the intricate interplay of creativity and strategy. As Jacobs-Johaardien pointed out, “The threads that weave together successful partnerships are both complex and intricate, but the 320 plus winning business and arts partnerships recognized by the BASA Awards to date demonstrate that the successful fusion of creativity and strategy can yield extraordinary outcomes.”
For the first time in the history of the BASA Awards, the announcement event was hosted at the Living Room, resonating with the tradition of showcasing Johannesburg’s urban beauty. Furthermore, the excitement extends to Cape Town, where the live Awards ceremony will grace the remarkable Zeitz MOCAA, promising to further spotlight the inspiring connection between the arts and business.
Sinenhlanhla Mdiya, BASA Marketing Manager, emphasized the transformative potential of the finalist partnerships, stating, “The finalists we announced today demonstrate that successful business and arts partnerships have the power to regenerate communities and inspire creativity. These symbiotic partnerships also have the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our country, such as poverty and inequality, while amplifying the creativity and innovation in our midst.”
Khanyi Mamba, Chairperson of the Awards adjudication panel, applauded the dedication of the finalists, saying, “Every submission we received represents a unique journey, a labor of love, and a bold step towards pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary. So, to all the finalists, I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations. Your work has captured the attention of our discerning judges, and you have earned your place among the best of the best.”
The finalists of the 26th Annual BASA Awards are:
IDC Community Development Award
ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte
Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme
National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative (NATI) & Suidoosterfees for NATi Jong Sterre / NATi Rising Stars
First-Time Sponsorship Award supported by Radisson Red
ANNA Pure Organic & Latitudes Online for The ANNA Award
Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi’Pride Campaign with Blue Ribbon
The Automobile Association of South Africa NPC & ARIVA Arts Organisation for RISE project
Heineken Beverages SMME Award
Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts – University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival chiesa di PAZZO LUPi & Barrydale Jazz & Brass Festival NPC for Dark Arts Curfew Club
Pioneer Freight & Hermanus FynArts for Art Guide Training Programme
Sunglass Hut Sponsorship In-Kind Award
Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts-University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival
UpstART Galleries & META Foundation for Art Feeds
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Blessing Ngobeni for Priceless Print
Innovation Award
Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi’Pride campaign with Blue Ribbon
E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Program
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Bee Diamondhead for We Are Culture
IDC CSI Award
Chickenland (Pty) Ltd t/a Nando’s & Meta Foundation for OpenStudios X Nando’s
The Sanlam Foundation Trust & Zip Zap Circus School Trust for Zappers Programme
TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd & Sibikwa Community Project NPC (T/A Sibikwa Arts Centre) for The Sibikwa Arts Academy and Sibikwa’s Inclusive Development, Education and Advocacy (IDEA) Programme
British Council Beyond Borders Award
Africa Contemporary Art / Just Art International & Reframe House for Spiral of Containment
E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Program
Ideon Inc. & National Children’s Theatre (NCT) for Rebranding NCT
Celebrating Long-Term Commitment: Heineken Beverages Long-Term Partnership Award
ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte
Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme
Spier Wine Farm & Third World Bunfight for Third World Bunfight
Two special Awards will be announced in a hybrid ceremony to be streamed live from Zeitz MOCAA on 13 October 2023.
