The Awards stand as a unique and meaningful tribute to the rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and shared values that define our nation. As we celebrate this day, it is only fitting to recognise and honour the business and arts collaborations that embody the essence of South Africa's heritage. Through the Basa Awards, we pay homage to the cultural mosaic that is South Africa, where business and the arts come together to create a legacy of innovation, and creativity.
The Basa Awards also highlight the importance of private-public partnerships in not only advancing artistic expression but also in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. By recognising and celebrating these outstanding initiatives, Basa encourages more businesses and government entities to embrace the power of collaboration, emphasising 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 recognised by the Basa Awards to date demonstrate that the successful fusion of creativity and strategy can yield extraordinary outcomes."
The finalists of the 26th Annual Basa Awards were announced on 1 September 2023. 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, emphasised the transformative potential of the finalist partnerships, stating: "The finalists we announced 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 labour 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 KaarteEyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship ProgrammeNational Afrikaans Theatre Initiative (NATI) & Suidoosterfees for NATi Jong Sterre/NATi Rising StarsFirst-Time Sponsorship Award supported by Radisson Red
ANNA Pure Organic & Latitudes Online for The ANNA AwardBlue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi’Pride Campaign with Blue RibbonThe Automobile Association of South Africa NPC & ARIVA Arts Organisation for RISE projectHeineken Beverages SMME Award
Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts – University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film FestivalChiesa di PAZZO LUPi & Barrydale Jazz & Brass Festival NPC for Dark Arts Curfew ClubPioneer Freight & Hermanus FynArts for Art Guide Training ProgrammeSunglass Hut Sponsorship In-Kind Award
Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts-University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film FestivalUpstART Galleries & META Foundation for Art FeedsThe Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Blessing Ngobeni for Priceless PrintInnovation Award
Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi’Pride campaign with Blue RibbonE-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact ProgramStandard Bank of South Africa Limited & Bee Diamondhead for We Are CultureIDC CSI Award
Chickenland (Pty) Ltd t/a Nando’s & Meta Foundation for OpenStudios X Nando'sThe Sanlam Foundation Trust & Zip Zap Circus School Trust for Zappers ProgrammeTotalEnergies 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) ProgrammeBritish Council Beyond Borders Award
Africa Contemporary Art/Just Art International & Reframe House for Spiral of ContainmentE-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact ProgramIdeon Inc. & National Children's Theatre (NCT) for Rebranding NCTCelebrating Long-Term Commitment: Heineken Beverages Long-Term Partnership Award
ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo KaarteEyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship ProgrammeSpier Wine Farm & Third World Bunfight for Third World BunfightTwo special Awards will be announced in a hybrid ceremony to be streamed live from Zeitz MOCAA on 13 October 2023. For more information, please visit Basa's website.
About Business and Arts South Africa (Basa)
Business and Arts South Africa (Basa) is an award-winning South African development agency that encourages mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts. Established in 1997, Basa is a joint initiative of government and the private sector, designed to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses in South Africa. Basa provides a platform for businesses to contribute to the arts by forming partnerships with artists and arts organisations, driving innovation, and fostering creativity.