R18m shot in the arm for Bay arts sector
● Three-year theatre complex programme includes heritage expo and starting a jazz orchestra
The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex reaffirmed its focus on resurrecting the arts in Nelson Mandela Bay with the launch of another multimillion-rand programme on Monday.
The launch of the R18m, three-year Creative Mandela Bay Programme took place at the Caledon Guesthouse in Kariega, marking a historic moment for the arts industry in the metro.
Some of the highly anticipated aspects of the programme include the Mandela Bay Heritage Expo, the establishment of Gqeberha’s own SA National Jazz Orchestra and more than R100,000 to assist artists with funding of funerals.
The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) is the implementing agent of the Bay municipality in partnership with the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of SA (CCIFSA).
MBTC chief executive Monde Ngonyama said activities that would be established within the year included the Mandela Bay Heritage Expo and SA National Jazz Orchestra.
Special projects on the cards included the Mandela Bay Women Artists initiatives, Mandela Bay Arts Education initiatives, Mandela Bay Writing initiative, Mandela Bay Arts Veterans initiative and the Mandela Bay Artists with Disabilities initiative.
“The theme for our 2030 vision is repurposing our colonial heritage, a complete creative industries revolution through performing arts,” Ngonyama said.
“The MBTC wants to leave a legacy during its term; by the time it leaves there must be a South African National Jazz Orchestra in Gqeberha.”
The celebration was bittersweet for the artists, who shared their messages of support and recalled the trying journey which had brought them to this point and what they still required.
Senior Citizens Arts and Culture Artist Association chair Vuyelwa Luzipo, from New Brighton, recalled how they initially struggled to receive funding from the municipality.
“I want to say this, because I may not be able to say it again.
“I started my career as a singer in 1972.
“Throughout the years I have never been happy in my own city.
“Have you ever seen legends being put at the back in their own city’s back yard?
“I will believe it when I see activity; when I hear the bank notification.
“We want activity by midApril,” Luzipo said.
Federation deputy chair Zukiswa Cakucaku said they were happy as the R18m exceeded the amounts provided by other municipalities in SA.
“We have fought for a long time with the municipality wanting assistance for artists; we nearly grabbed each other but now we are laughing.
“We want to thank you, [Monde] Ngonyama.
“What you have done is huge, but you might not realise it now.
“We thank the municipality for this wealth,” Cakucaku said.
She said the federation would be moving into its office at 68 Cape Road in April thanks to Ngonyama, who also provided them with the equipment needed to run the office.
Municipal sport, recreation, arts and culture deputy director Vuyelwa Ajah-Mvunelwa said the launch was a significant moment for the municipality and the creative industry.
“As artists, it is to journey with us in this three-year agreement.
“We need to see where do you excel, there will be calls for everything so do not sit in your corner and complain,” AjahMvunelwa said.
Ngonyama said they also received funding to run other projects from the National Arts Council and the provincial department of sport, recreation, arts and culture.
The Heritage Expo will be given R4.5m for the next three years, starting this year.