Concerts SA announces 2021 Digital Mobility Fund recipients

The mobility fund, which is managed by local cultural consulting firm Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), is designed for local artists who want to present professional and high-quality performances. It is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Swiss-based Levedo Foundation, the National Arts Council of South Africa and the Southern African Music Rights Organisation.

For this year’s mobility fund, Concerts SA considered proposals from music professionals for livestreamed or delayed-broadcast performances, either with or without audiences. Some of the successful applicants include Afrika Mkhize, Albert Meintjes, Amanda Tiffin, Yonela Mnana and The Brother Moves On. The full list of recipients is available here.

“As of the first lockdown in 2020, COVID-19 crippled the live music sector,” IKS director Andre le Roux said. “As Concerts SA, we immediately investigated possible ways to stimulate recovery.”

According to IKS, a total of 62 grants worth R30 000 each were awarded to projects across the country with the bulk of funds supported by the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package, which is administered by the National Arts Council of South Africa.

“A total of 401 high-quality applications were received, up from last year’s 130,” IKS said. “Applicants hailed from all parts of South Africa and formed a rich kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions, genres, gender, idioms and origins.”

Since 2013, Concerts SA has supported music touring across the southern African region. It has also supported a range of music venues, promoters, orchestras and university music departments through the SAMRO Foundation’s concert funding subsidy.