Business and Arts South Africa Awards announces 2023 finalists

The awards are designed to recognise mutually beneficial arts and business partnerships across multiple categories, showcasing the powerful impact business can have when engaging creativity to deliver a message, a project or an idea.

“There is a unique power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners,” BASA CEO Ashraf Jacobs-Johaardien said. “Partnerships are like DNA – they carry the code of shared values, mutual goals and the potential to create something remarkable. As we celebrate this year’s finalists, we are also thrilled to welcome new partners on board for the BASA Awards itself.”

BASA chairperson Khanyi Mamba added: “Every submission we received represents a unique journey, a labour of love and a bold step towards pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary. So, to all the finalists, I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations. Your work has captured the attention of our discerning judges and you have earned your place among the best of the best.”

Below is the full list of finalists:

IDC Community Development Award     

• ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte.
• Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme.
• National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative (NATI) & Suidoosterfees for NATi Jong Sterre/NATi Rising Stars.

First-Time Sponsorship Award supported by Radisson Red

• ANNA Pure Organic & Latitudes Online for The ANNA Award.
• Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi'Pride Campaign with Blue Ribbon.
• The Automobile Association of South Africa NPC & ARIVA Arts Organisation for the RISE project.

Heineken Beverages SMME Award

• Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts – University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival.
• chiesa di PAZZO LUPi & Barrydale Jazz & Brass Festival NPC for Dark Arts Curfew Club.
• Pioneer Freight & Hermanus FynArts for Art Guide Training Programme.

Sunglass Hut Sponsorship In-Kind Award

• Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts-University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival.
• UpstART Galleries & META Foundation for Art Feeds.
• The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Blessing Ngobeni for Priceless Print.

Innovation Award

• Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your Kasi’Pride campaign with Blue Ribbon.
• E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Programme.
• Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Bee Diamondhead for We Are Culture.

IDC CSI Award

• Chickenland Ltd trading as Nando’s & Meta Foundation for OpenStudios X Nando’s.
• The Sanlam Foundation Trust & Zip Zap Circus School Trust for Zappers Programme.
• TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd & Sibikwa Community Project NPC (trading as Sibikwa Arts Centre) for The Sibikwa Arts Academy and Sibikwa’s Inclusive Development, Education and Advocacy (IDEA) Programme.

British Council Beyond Borders Award

• Africa Contemporary Art/Just Art International & Reframe House for Spiral of Containment.
• E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Programme.
• Ideon Inc. & National Children’s Theatre (NCT) for Rebranding NCT.

Heineken Beverages Long-Term Partnership Award

• ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte.
• Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme.
• Spier Wine Farm & Third World Bunfight for Third World Bunfight.

Two special awards will be announced in a hybrid ceremony on 13 October.

For more information visit BASA website.