Business and Arts South Africa CEO steps down

BASA is a joint initiative of the South African Department of Arts and Culture and the country's business sector as a public-private partnership.

“The board is extremely proud of what BASA, under Constant’s excellent leadership, has achieved over the past decade,” BASA chairperson Andre le Roux said.

“It is pertinent that the theme for this year’s BASA Awards is Legacy, because there is no doubt that Constant leaves an extraordinary legacy in the ongoing task to bring the creative sector into its rightful place in the mainstream economy. The awards also afford our more than 120 members, and the arts community broadly, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with Constant.”

Constant said there was need for new energy to take BASA forward and expressed deep appreciation for her time at the development agency.

“I have had an extraordinary 10 years at BASA and have truly grown to love the organisation,” she said. “During my decade at BASA, I have witnessed the difference it makes in the arts sector – not just in South Africa but on the continent, something that was gratifyingly apparent at my most recent presentations in Namibia and in Ethiopia at the African Union.

“I believe that, together with the Department of Arts and Culture, the board, a diverse team and various sectors including business and tourism, we have built up a healthy and vibrant organisation. I look forward to welcoming my successor to what is a truly meaningful and deeply rewarding position within the arts business landscape.”

Constant joined BASA in 2008 and implemented important partnerships that helped fulfil the organisation's mission to “ensure the relevance and sustainability of the arts in South Africa by providing expertise in the development of partnerships between business and the arts".

"Under her stewardship, the agency has grown into an important one on the continent and beyond," BASA said. “Its current suite of integrated programmes, for both businesses and arts practitioners and organisations, as well as research, toolkits and other elements of BASA’s growing Knowledge Hub are testament to Constant’s vision and the robust team she has built.”

Le Roux said the organisation had started searching for Constant’s replacement. “Having the luxury of such a strong foundation and six months to appoint a successor, is indicative of Michelle’s leadership. Our HR board committee has already met to start the recruitment process and we are excited for the next BASA chapter,” he said.