Basa and RMB close Scale-Up Programme with wrap event

In this third year of the programme, Basa and RMB expanded the scope of the programme, with the addition of Phase 2, which included a mentorship and funding component.

Phase 1 of this iteration of the Programme kicked off with a masterclass series between 29 July and 11 August. Following an announcement on 14 August, applications for Phase 2 were invited until the closing date of 24 August. This was followed by an adjudication process, between 2 and 8 September, which was facilitated by an independent panel of established creatives within the arts sector. The adjudication process concluded with the final selection of 21 applicants – both individuals and organisations – who advanced to Phase 2. The ‘Scale-Up 21’ received augmented mentorship support, with 10 of these also each receiving R15,000 towards the growth of their businesses, organisations or projects. The full list of 21 recipients can be viewed here.

As Basa head of programmes Boitumelo ‘Tumy’ Motsoatsoe states, the inclusion of the second phase allowed the revised programme to deepen its impact, offering alumni an opportunity to truly scale up: “This year’s edition of the programme developed stronger and longer relationships with alumni so that we could offer support and track progress and growth beyond the programme.”

Motsoatsoe’s endorsement of the mentorship portion was echoed by both those creatives who participated in the process and the mentors who availed themselves to offer insight into the skills they’ve refined throughout the course of their experience: “Because of how well tailored the programme is. I didn't realise how revolutionary this actually was. To continue the conversation around impact, value and meaning one way or another.” - Siyanda Mazibuko.

Perhaps the most significant addition to this year’s Scale-Up Programme was the inclusion of the four-part Care and Connect Workshop series, which was coordinated with Visual Art Network South Africa (Vansa). The workshop series was specifically built into Scale-Up’s Programme to provide a well-rounded experience for participants to access tools and resources to develop healthy mental health strategies and practices in their own lives as well as tools to identify mental health risks and support themselves and their communities through centering care in the practice and their projects or organisations.

Siphumelele Lucwaba, RMB representative stated: “We are really proud to have partnered with Basa on this long standing initiative. I mean we have always thought that it is a really great initiative, practical and relevant initiative, but it is so great to hear from all the participants on how they experienced the programme. We are really impressed with how Basa continues to innovate and pivot to effectively respond to the changing circumstances. Good luck to everyone going forward and thank you for being part of this brilliant initiative!”

About Business and Arts South Africa (Basa)

Basa is constituted in terms of the Companies Act. Basa is registered as a public benefit organisation (PBO) and is accountable to its stakeholders. The Basa board of directors comprises chair Charmaine Soobramoney, with deputy chair Mandie van der Spuy and Kojo Baffoe, Kathy Berman, Devi Sankaree Govender, Ashraf Johaardien (CEO), Hilton Lawler, Khanyi Mamba, Unathi Malunga, Makgati Molebatsi, Zingisa Motloba, Dr Yacoob Abba Omar and Mirna Wessels.