In an unprecedented collaboration aimed at uplifting South Africa’s creative sector, a landmark partnership between the country’s top arts festivals and its sole dedicated music mobility fund has been announced. The initiative, known as the Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) project, seeks to empower artists, promote collaboration, and foster sustainable opportunities across the creative industries.
The FEC is the result of a joint effort between the National Arts Festival, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidooster Fees, KKNK, and the Tribuo Fund, with support from the Jobs Fund. This collaboration will inject a total of R20 million over the next two years, with R10 million from the Jobs Fund and an additional R10 million contributed by the partners. The primary goal of the project is to create, support, and tour works across the country while building the capacity of creative enterprises.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Creative Ecosystem
By harnessing the collective power of South Africa’s premier festivals, the FEC is designed to provide long-term income opportunities for artists, technicians, and creatives. The initiative will also open doors for international producers to engage with South African festivals, further expanding the reach of local talent.
“This is an important moment for the arts industry,” says Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival. “By working together, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that benefits artists and audiences alike.”
Lesego Mafora, Head of CSI at SAMRO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of consistent and sustainable work for industry growth.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The FEC’s broader economic impact cannot be overstated. By investing in the cultural and creative industries, the project aims to create jobs, contribute to local economies, and enhance South Africa’s appeal as a cultural hub. Lionel Kunene, Senior Technical Advisor at the Jobs Fund, expressed optimism about the project’s potential: “While we don’t usually partner in this sector, we can already see that there is real impact potential in the Cultural and Creative Industries.”
Andre le Roux, speaking on behalf of Concerts SA, emphasized the importance of cultural vibrancy for night-time economies, noting that “places with vibrant cultural scenes are places that people want to live in and visit.”
Key Features of the Festival Enterprise Catalyst Project
The FEC project promises to offer:
- Co-production funding: Financial support for touring works across multiple festivals.
- Collaboration: Strategic partnerships between South Africa’s leading arts festivals.
- Artist empowerment: Enhanced opportunities for sustainable income and wider exposure.
- Training and support: Assistance to creative enterprises to maximize opportunities.
- Job creation: Stimulating economic growth and fostering a more efficient creative ecosystem.
The application process for festival programming will remain open through existing channels, but productions that show potential for co-presentation will be considered by the FEC’s curatorial body for co-funding. Selected shows will then tour across multiple festivals.
For more details on the project, follow the partners on their social media platforms:
X: artsfestival
Facebook: National Arts Festival Makhanda
Instagram: @nationalartsfestival
TikTok: nationalartsfestival
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