Business and Arts South Africa launches Debut Alumni Accelerator Programme

The accelerator programme will take place between September and November. It is an extension of the Debut Programme, which is designed to provide emerging artists with tools and support to implement and launch their creative projects over three years.

Funded by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), the Debut Alumni Accelerator Programme highlights the importance of income generation within the creative sector, while strengthening the alumni relationship with BASA.

Following the launch, the 24 graduates will receive a grant to curate their creative projects, which include a wide range of fields including music, art, design, brand activations and photography, among others.

The financial support will empower the graduates to plan and execute impactful events that will generate income for their creative ventures. This short-term programme aims to maximise the impact of the programme by further assisting the second wave of alumni with assigned mentorship opportunities and grants. The Debut Programme alumni are preparing concepts and budgets for their creative proposals in all nine provinces in South Africa.

“The Debut Alumni Accelerator Programme is a much-needed platform to nurture young artists’ creative entrepreneurship journey and accelerate their growth,” BASA programmes manager Zanele Madiba said. “This programme is a catalyst that will turn their talents into income generating creative enterprises, thereby contributing to the development of the creative and cultural sector in South Africa.”

To further support the alumni on their journey, BASA will assign a mentor to each participant. These mentors are experienced professionals in the creative and cultural sector and will provide guidance, advice and support throughout the planning and execution process of the creative hustles.

“The mentorship aspect will add an extra layer of professional development to ensure that the alumni have all the support they need to overcome any challenge they may encounter, ultimately enhancing their skills and expertise,” BASA said.

Read about the 24 participants here.