ACT, Tanaka Pictures to launch non-profit leadership vodcast

Hosted by Tanaka Pictures managing director Nobantu Mqulwana, the series features discussions with leaders and practitioners from the country’s creative sector, examining the operational and leadership challenges involved in building and sustaining arts organisations.

According to the organisers, the programme aims to share practical knowledge on issues including governance, funding, partnerships, programme design, compliance, leadership and long-term organisational sustainability.

The first four episodes feature actor and South African Guild of Actors chairperson Jack Devnarain, Chocolate Tribe founder and chief executive Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt, Craft and Design Institute Group chief executive Erica Elk, and Artist Proof Studio chief operating officer Nathi Simelane.

ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said the series seeks to document and share knowledge that is often acquired through practical experience.

“What makes this series important is that it captures the knowledge that often lives between people, inside organisations, and behind years of experience.”

She said strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing is essential to the long-term sustainability of the sector.

“Meaningful change does not happen in the abstract. It starts with real people, with real experiences, doing real work, often while carrying enormous responsibility with limited support. NPO Bootcamp: Arts & Culture Edition is about making space for those voices, and for the practical knowledge within the sector, to be shared more openly. If we are serious about sustainability, we need to strengthen how we work together, share knowledge more freely, and recognise that lasting change is built through collective effort.”

Mqulwana said the series was intended to provide greater access to practical information for organisations operating in the sector.

“This series is about making the invisible visible. It is about understanding the realities behind the work, and creating access to the kind of information that is often difficult to find. We want emerging organisations to see what is possible, but also to understand what it really takes.”

The organisers said additional episodes are planned, with future conversations expected to feature more organisations and practitioners from the arts and culture sector.

The first season was produced with venue support from the MTN Foundation.

NPO Bootcamp: Arts & Culture Edition will premiere on YouTube on 13 July and will also be available through the ACT Centre of Excellence website.

Watch it on YouTube here.