Business Arts South Africa to launch digital research platform for creatives

The launch will be followed by an in-depth discussion on the creative sector by industry professionals on 25 and 26 March. The BASA Assembly will explore new research ideas that are aimed at benefiting the arts scene with the full programme expected to be announced early in March.

“BASA Assembly is not a conference, an un-conference, an indaba, a colloquium, or a symposium,” BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien said. “It is intended as a vehicle for showcasing BASA’s latest research into the creative sector; as well as work being done by our partners and stakeholders.”

He added: “Participants can look forward to a two-day programme featuring insights from leading arts practitioners and business thought leaders. But don’t expect the usual suspects.”

British Council’s head of Arts Southern Africa Levinia Jones said: “British Council Southern Africa Arts is thrilled to be partnering with BASA again in this platform of enquiry and curiosity. We are changed, and the creative sector globally is responding in ways that have inspired and challenged the future of making, connecting and surviving. There is still much to learn from each other, to share the process and successes of this change.”

The announcement follows a series of research projects, which were initiated by BASA such as the 2013 BASA symposium that focused on how arts-based initiatives can drive and develop innovation, create sustainable value and increase profitability in business. A second symposium followed in 2014, which focused on the same topics.

In 2016, BASA partnered with Arts & Culture Trust to launch the BASA Hatchery Breakaways with the goal of matching professionals from various disciplines. In 2018, BASA presented a research colloquium, which looked into two decades of learnings, research and best practice in arts and business partnerships, with a strong focus on shared value and opportunities that the arts can offer the business space as a progressive enabler.

BASA head of research Madeleine Lambert said: “All aspects of BASA’s operations are underpinned by research. We are committed to leveraging this data to benefit the creative sector and its partners, and to advocate for the value of arts-business relationships.”

The BASA Assembly will be co-curated by Lambert, along with BASA head of programmes Boitumelo Motsoatsoe and BASA head of marketing Savannah Feeke-Fortune.