BASA provides support in Zambia, Botswana

In November 2011 BASA CEO, Michelle Constant, delivered the keynote address at the BSA's Business and Arts Project Forum - a multi-pronged initiative that aims to, among others, introduce arts administration training and encourage long-term investments in the arts by the local business community.

In her address, Constant outlined BASA initiatives that have contributed to the sustainability of the arts in South Africa, including the BASA mentorship programme, in association with Etana, BASA Boardbank and BASA's supporting grants scheme, supported by the Department of Arts and Culture.

Financial mood is conducive to partnerships

Germaine Gamiet, BASA marketing and operations manager, represented the organisation in Zambia in February, and also outlined BASA activities and projects. Victor Makashi, CEO of the National Arts Council of Zambia, described Gamiet's presentation of BASA's model as a boost and eye opener.

This was echoed by Mumba S Kapumpa, first chairman of the National Arts Council who said the current financial mood in Zambia was conducive to business partnerships with the arts. "Many business houses are pursuing marketing and advertising strategies that need and use artistic productions," said Kapumpa. He urged Zambian businesses to start looking towards Zambian talent to fulfill this, adding that a Zambian version of BASA would encourage and engage local business houses to explore and utilise the Zambian talent.

Response in Botswana is encouraging

Business representatives who attended the presentation also committed to supporting the conversations forward with regard to a business and arts forum in Zambia. Sampa Chitah, of Konkola Copper Mines said the impact of support to the arts in Zambia was limited because of being isolated and inconsistent.

The response from businesses in Botswana was also encouraging. Following Constant's presentation, key corporate players such as Brand Botswana, First National Bank of Botswana, Debswana Diamond Company and many other companies expressed strong interest in becoming part of the Business and Arts Botswana programme.

"We hope that by establishing a strong link between the programmes in the two countries, Botswana will gain invaluable knowledge from BASA and will in turn be able to offer BASA the possibility of regional expansion and collaboration," said Thabo Makgato of BSA's business and arts projects.