Africa: As part of its commitment to the development of the arts sector and artists in Nelson Mandela Bay, the NMBM is again providing financial support to artists from the City who are taking part in the National Arts Festival that is currently underway in Makhanda.
Following the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is proud to be supporting 10 productions currently appearing on the national art stage through a modest grant, which seeks to support artists and cover their production expenses.
NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Portfolio Head, Cllr Bassie Kamana, said: “It’s important for us to put money where our mouth is and play our part in supporting these artists. This year, we injected R80,000 towards supporting the selected artists to allow them to showcase their talents at the National Arts Festival. This will also encourage our young people to grab these opportunities, knowing that they will be supported locally before the country and the world know about their great work.”
This boost is in line with the City’s efforts to rebuild the Arts Sector that has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and forms part of the City’s partnership with the National Arts Festival to deliver the Mandela Bay Arts Festival taking place from 23 September to 01 October 2022.
Through this partnership, it is envisaged that the Festivals will work in tandem to develop the NMBM’s presence at the National Arts Festival, creating vibrant platforms for local artists to showcase their talent. The supported productions for this year are as follows:
Spha’s ‘HARBOURED FILES’ Showcase
VOCAL EXPLOSION- Amazing Grace
INTLOMBE: accompanied by ZIKAMDALI, ZAMANI, SINELIZWI HOLE
THE BHACA SOUL Experience with JOLIZA
UNTOLD STORIES MUSIC SHOW with BONGANI UMCULI (BU)
EMPINI YAMALUNGELO (Advocating against GBV)
Zimsto eRoofini at THE BLACK POWER STATION
IMPOSSIBLE with Brendon Peel
UMLE – ABANTWANA BELANGA
EXHIBITION LEGACY SERIES: Michael Barry
As part of the initiative, a short documentary on the artists participating in the Festival will be produced, showcasing the incredible wealth of talent that the City has to offer.
