Open call: BASA Debut programme in SA

The programme is aimed at empowering emerging artists in rural and peri-urban areas with the business acumen needed to become profitable creative entrepreneurs. It provides artists with skills development, mentorship and funding opportunities to support their creative ventures.

To date, Debut programme has equipped more than 648 emerging creatives with business skills and development opportunities across the country since its launch in 2017. This year, BASA aims to increase the diversity of applicants and ensure better accessibility to its application process and the programme as a whole.

Participants will learn basic business communication skills, market research, business plan development, pitching and proposal submission, industry mentorship, funding and report writing.

“Extending the submission deadline is a deliberate decision on our part to provide as many prospective applicants as possible with the chance to apply for the Debut programme,” BASA programmes manager Zanele Madiba said. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between art and business. This programme is designed to empower participants by offering them extensive training, valuable resources, mentorship and financial support to kick start their creative ventures.”

Eligible applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

• Applicants must be South African creatives between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Artists must be active participants in their respective sectors, indicating their involvement and contribution to the field.
• Applicants must have a definite project to submit as part of their application. The project should be creative and align with the goals of the programme.
• To apply, applicants must send “Hi” on WhatsApp to (+27 66 473 8435) and follow the simple instructions.
• Applicants must then submit a one-minute video with their name, what they do, their proposed creative business venture, why they want to join the programme, and what they hope to gain from the experience.

The closing date for applications is 16 October 2023.

For Debut application enquiries, contact the BASA programmes team directly on +27 66 473 8435 or +27 66 473 8432 during office hours.

View the original call here.