BASA repositions programmes in response to COVID-19 crisis

In line with this, BASA has implemented the Scale Up and Debut programmes in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, respectively.

The Scale Up programme seeks to reconnect with previous participants and offer opportunities for further training. It also aims to provide customised mentorship and funding. The programme was initiated in an effort to help individuals and organisations scale up in a meaningful way, it said.

The Debut programme is aimed at young emerging creatives from all nine South African provinces. The programmes, says BASA, seeks to reach two communities in each province, to increase collaborations and strategic partnerships with local municipalities, hubs and organisations. This will extend its reach to anyone with limited or no access to information, training, and skills development.

According to BASA, participants will be selected from each province, along with nine provincial liaisons, who will be given an opportunity to build their administration and facilitation skills.

“The current situation has amplified the necessity for refining how we execute our strategy,” BASA head of programmes Boitumelo Motsoatsoe said. “The pandemic has plunged the whole world into crisis, compelling both individuals and organisations to increase their agility and to speed up responsiveness. BASA believes this kind of dexterity and design thinking can both be applied to and support the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for youth, as well as contributing to essential skills development to the creative sector.

“If there is anything that this pandemic has highlighted, it is the growing inequality in a country that sees the underprivileged being further marginalised and excluded. Our aim with all our programmes is to ensure that we make our processes and initiatives as holistic, inclusive and accessible as possible; and that we continue to be deliberate about offering those with limited skills and knowledge an opportunity to participate in the creative economy.”

In addition, BASA will also launch the Debut Programme Alumni Network, which aims to facilitate continued relationship-building through online engagements, training and other opportunities.

Webinars planned will cover an array of key topics pertaining to digital skills and legal advice, and will also feature discussions around wellness.