Entries are now open for the 20th Annual Basa Awards
The 20th Annual Basa Awards, partnered by Hollard and Business Day, are accepting entries from business and arts partnerships that were activated between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016. The date for the entries to be in is the 30th June 2017 .
The award categories are intended to showcase the diverse ways that business partners with arts projects, events and initiatives to bring the arts to the public in different parts of the country.
“Our annual awards are always a highlight of the arts calendar – providing a reason to celebrate excellence in business and arts partnerships over the year,” says Andre Le Roux, Basa chairman.
In 2017, South Africa’s foremost awards celebrating business and arts partnerships are part of a broader commemoration of Business and Arts South Africa’s 20th anniversary. As it marks this landmark event, Basa has an invigorated focus on growth, research, connectivity and celebration – all of which serve to confirm the organisation’s standing in as a leading force in business and arts on the African continent.
In 2017, the 20th Annual Basa Awards, will also be used to honour those who have contributed to the growth and success of Basa over the past two decades. This includes awards partners Hollard and Business Day, both of whom are founding business members of Basa.
“We are very proud to have been associated with Basa from the very beginning,” says Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. “Long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships which enable better futures are a part of Hollard’s DNA and our relationship with Basa has definitely grown the impact the arts can and do have as a force for positive and enduring change in South Africa.”
Eleven categories are open for entry, including the Cultural Tourism Award, proudly supported by Nedbank. This important award recognises business support of arts and culture projects which contribute towards the growth of communities and jobs, and support the opportunities provided by local tourism.
To be eligible for entry, partnerships must have been activated between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Long-term or ongoing partnerships current during that period also qualify for the Awards. Entries are via an easy-to-use online system with a team based at Basa’s Johannesburg head office on hand to assist with entries and general award queries.
In considering entries, the judges will look at a number of carefully considered criteria, including innovation, sustainability and the shared value that emerged from the specific arts and business partnership.
The Basa Awards ceremony is set to take place in September 2017.
Innovation Award – This award recognises the most innovative and progressive partnership in all mediums of creativity; one that served all partners’ purposes effectively between January and December 2015, and highlighted creativity and originality in the process.
First Time Sponsor Award – This award is for a business supporting the arts for the first time, regardless of size, budget, whether it is CSI, marketing, HR, BBE or other.
Increasing Access to the Arts Award – This award celebrates a partnership that has encouraged specific audience engagement with the arts or has made a significant contribution to brand, market and audience development, while still promoting the business through above-the-line media or a partnership that has made a significant contribution to regeneration or sustainable growth, through a marketing and CSI budget or other.
Beyond Borders Partnership Award – Awarded to a global-level partnership that builds brand reputation and audience for both the business and arts organisations across international borders through an event or marketing project, and/or bringing international arts projects to South Africa.
Long Term Partnership Award – A company which has significantly developed and expanded its commitment to an arts project over three years or longer.
For more information please contact Aviwe Matandela on or 011 447 2295 or go to