In a commendable initiative backed by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in South Africa, a unique opportunity has emerged for artists and businesses to collaborate and bring impactful projects to life. The initiative is spearheaded by the Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), a membership organization dedicated to facilitating partnerships between the arts and business sectors.
Evaluation Criteria and Departmental Backing
Applications for the BASA Supporting Grants Program will undergo a meticulous evaluation process, considering various criteria to ensure the selection of projects with the potential for significant scale and impact. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture is keen on supporting projects that demonstrate artistic merit, feasibility, contribution to social cohesion, and a substantial reach in relation to the available funding.
Preference for Mutual Benefits
A noteworthy aspect of the evaluation process is the preference given to projects that offer tangible benefits to their business sponsors. This strategic approach aims to foster mutually beneficial collaborations, ensuring that both the arts organization and the business sponsor(s) stand to gain from the partnership.
BASA Membership Prioritization
As a membership organization, BASA is set to prioritize projects where both the arts organization and the business sponsor(s) are active BASA members. This emphasis on membership reflects the commitment to cultivating a community of stakeholders dedicated to advancing the intersection of arts and business in South Africa.
Application Process and Essential Documentation
Interested partners are encouraged to express their interest by submitting a concise, one-page formal letter. This letter should include essential details such as the project name, a brief project description, the name of the business sponsor, and the nature of the sponsorship being offered, whether in cash, in-kind, or a combination of both, with a specified rand value.
Accompanying this expression of interest, a crucial element is the business sponsor’s letter of endorsement, providing an additional layer of commitment to the proposed collaboration. Eligible applicants will subsequently receive an invitation to complete a comprehensive online application, offering a platform for a more in-depth exploration of their project.
Application Deadline and Further Information
For those eager to participate in the current round of applications, the deadline for submitting letters of interest is set for 22 January 2024. This provides potential collaborators with a defined timeframe to articulate the essence of their project and secure a spot in the evaluation process.
Detailed criteria and guidelines for the BASA Supporting Grants Program are available on the official BASA Supporting Grants page, providing interested parties with comprehensive insights into the expectations and parameters of the initiative. For any inquiries or clarifications, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to Sipho Mthiyane at sipho@basa.co.za, ensuring a smooth and informed application process.
The BASA Supporting Grants Program stands as a testament to the commitment of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in South Africa to foster meaningful collaborations between the arts and business sectors. By providing a platform for joint ventures that prioritize artistic excellence, social cohesion, and mutual benefit, this initiative contributes to the vibrant tapestry of cultural and economic development in the region. Artists, businesses, and stakeholders alike are encouraged to seize this opportunity, explore the detailed guidelines, and contribute to the flourishing intersection of arts and business in South Africa.
Source: Music Africa