The Department of Arts and Culture partners up with key players to bring unique programme for local creatives

The Department of Arts and Culture, Business and Arts South Africa (Basa) and the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund have formed a partnership to initiate a unique programme aimed at helping artists nationwide.

The creative industry in South Africa sometimes lacks the necessary funding for programmes and productions within the field. This programme combines funding from the department with Basa’s highly-regarded and extensive education and mentorship programmes, in a way that makes it one of the most meaningful to be launched in the creative industries in recent years.

Read: City starts school holiday programme at libraries

What sets the programme apart is its intense focus on artists who are on the very brink of making it. The department’s Debut Programme aims to provide these emerging artists with the tools and support that they need to implement, complete or launch their creative project – be it a debut album, a first short film or a new exhibition.

By equipping artists with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as nominal start-up funding, the programme aims to substantially support artists in pitching for further funding for their venture or project. Within this structure, eligible participants in the Debut Programme will also have the opportunity to apply for Basa supporting grants. These grants have played a significant role in stimulating sustainable arts-business partnerships across South Africa.

“We know that the creative industries have a powerful role to play in nation building and social cohesion and have great potential to contribute to our national economy,” said minister of the department Nkosinathi Mthethwa.

“This new programme has been very carefully created as a way of empowering emerging artists, across all creative spheres, to take up their rightful role in making this a reality.”

The programme runs for 38 weeks, and during this time, delegates will be trained using the Asset Based Community Driven Development model. Already used by Basa in its education and mentorship programmes, this model is a powerful approach to community development that focuses effort on discovering and mobilising resources present in a community.

Read: Inspired by the Super Mario game, local artist Loui Lvndn release single

Towards the end of the programme, delegates will pitch their concept through the submission of written proposals. Those selected will be paired with an industry mentor and will receive funding to implement their project. Each artist reaching this stage of the programme will be expected to write a report on their process as a way of enhancing broader learnings from the Debut Programme.

To be eligible, artists must be between the ages of 18 and 35, must be active in their sector and must have a definite project to submit. Applicants need to be able to demonstrate a basic ability to effectively communicate their project, which must also have the potential for viable implementation.

Applications must be submitted via WhatsApp 082 494 9751.