Turn your artistic idea into a business

Emerging young artists across the country are invited to register for an opportunity that could turn their artistic ideas into a profitable business.

Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture launched the Debut Programme on 15 November 2021, to provide business and entrepreneurial skills development to emerging South African artists.

The skills to be learnt will include how to launch, build and sustain creative business ventures.

BASA Chief Executive

Officer Ashraf Johaardien says: “Knowledge and mentorship are key to preparing young creatives across the country for creative sector entrepreneurship.”

BASA Head of Programmes Boitumelo Motsoatsoe says the programme is also a space for artists to make the vital move into the market. It will showcase the diversity of talent and ideas emerging from young creatives across the country.

“We are working hard to make the project inclusive of rural artists,” says Motsoatsoe, who encourages business sector stakeholders to support the programme.

The programme is divided into three phases: • Kickstarter Phase: Includes engagement workshops, Facebook live sessions, mentorship, networking and grant funding. Hlanganisa Phase: Includes engagement workshops, mentorship, grant funding, networking and a provincial art fair. Catalyst Phase: Includes e-commerce support, mentorship, masterclasses and networking.

According to BASA, participants do not need

•

• a registered company to receive any of the grants provided in the programme. However, all grant recipients are expected to utilise their grant in alignment with the budget or goals set in the training/workshops, and will be required to provide proof of expenditure and a narrative report.