Call for applications: BASA Debut Programme for SA artists

The initiative seeks to develop skills of artists in all the nine provinces of South Africa. It will provide training and mentorship to succesful applicants, allowing them opportunities to pitch for funding to further support their ventures.

BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardienn said this year’s programme will also feature the launch of the Debut Programme Alumni Network, which will aim to facilitate relationship building through online engagements, training and other opportunities.

“Participants will be selected from each province, along with nine provincial liaisons, who will be given an opportunity to build their administration and facilitation skills,” Johaardienn said. “The programme’s first launch saw the successful creation of opportunities to develop and provide mentorship to local young creatives from peri-urban areas across the entire country. This year, the launch event will run somewhat differently, sharply reflective of the creative industry’s complete response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the strictures this virus has placed on artists’ livelihoods.”

DSAC director for Arts and Youth Development said: “To us, this second edition of the Debut Programme is one further measure of the sustained beneficence DSAC and BASA have been able to provide to our artists during the global pandemic. As such, the Debut Programme’s primary vision continues to align to the current drive from the entire sector’s commitment to uplift, support and bringing relief to creatives.”

Through strategic partnerships with community arts centres, local government and relevant agencies, the initiative is aimed at offering a wide range of services to artists, from ideation to venture implementation.

"Partnerships and collaborations are important for maximum impact and improved sustainability,” BASA head of programmes Boitumelo Tumy Motsoatsoe said. “So this year we will also commit to increasing collaborations and strategic partnerships with local municipalities, hubs, youth organisations and state entities to decrease barriers to participation and to create more meaningful opportunities. The primary drive behind this is motivated by a need to reach anyone with limited or no access to information, training and skills development.”

Who should apply

• South African artists between ages 18 and 35 are eligible to apply

How to apply

• Applications are being submitted via WhatsApp and applicants will be able to apply in either English, Afrikaans, Sepedi or isiZulu.
• Record a one-minute video that includes what you do, why you want to join the programme, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Send ‘Hi’ on WhatsApp to 087 153 1009 and follow the simple instructions to submit your video and details.

The deadline for applications is 31 August.

View the original call and more information here.