#CoronavirusSA: 2020 National Arts Fest to go virtual

18 Mar 2020

The National Arts Festival will go virtual from 25 June to 5 July 2020. The festival will move into the digital realm in light of the coronavirus pandemic and President Cyril Ramaphosa's subsequent declaration of a state of disaster.

The 2020 National Arts Festival will be the first-ever virtual edition.

Ok, so here's the thing: the National Arts Festival 2020 won’t be cancelled, but it will be different. From 25 June to 5 July 2020, the National Arts Festival will be going completely virtual for the full 11 days of Amazing. READ MORE: https://t.co/AFVAScCOXI #NAF2020 #virtualNAF
— NationalArtsFestival (@artsfestival) March 17, 2020

“Going virtual will mean that the festival can continue to support artists and the arts in 2020, by presenting work within a digital space. This way we can share some magic and hope with those who may still be confined to their homes. An opportunity to connect when we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another,” said the festival in a statement.

“Rather than cancel, we aim to create a new opportunity for artists and audiences alike to celebrate the arts, and to create an accessible platform for artists to share their work,” it continued.

“For Makhanda and the Eastern Cape, this is going to be a really hard year and we are fully aware of the enormous impact that Covid-19 will have on our economic stability. We know how much income our festivals contribute to the infrastructure and economy of Makhanda. We remain committed to the city and will continue to play our role as good corporate citizens,” the statement added.

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The festival is currently engaging with sponsors and donors, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, Standard Bank, the Department of Arts and Culture, Distell and Multichoice regarding its plans. It will make an announcement regarding its virtual offerings and operations in due course.

It will also be engaging with all of the artists and traders who are currently registered to participate in the 2020 festival.

Additionally, Scifest Africa will be postponed and take place from 9 to 15 September 2020. The Eastern Cape Schools Festival will similarly be postponed to September 2020 – dates to be advised.

For more information, go to www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.