SA: BASA announces Cultural Producer’s Programme recipients

The announcement follows a call inviting creatives aged between 18 and 35 years to submit applications for the programme. The initiative, delivered by the British Council, in partnership with BASA, Common Purpose South Africa and the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE), aims to bridge the gap in leadership succession within the cultural sector.

The programme focuses on nurturing 14 exceptional individuals under the age of 35. These diverse creatives were drawn from various disciplines including arts, advertising, applied arts, arts management, gaming, and more. They represent all corners of South Africa, spanning the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Mpumalanga and the Free State.

“The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high, and the final cohort reflects an exciting mix of creative disciplines,” BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien said. “We are thrilled to provide these young leaders with the opportunity to expand their networks, refine their skills and propel their careers to the next level.”

Through a series of workshops, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities, the programme equips participants with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the cultural landscape, build sustainable careers and become future leaders in their respective fields.

British Council head of arts South Africa Grace Meadows said: “Empowering the next generation of creative leaders in Africa is not just a goal, it’s a movement towards infinite possibilities. Here’s to forging deeper connections, unlocking greater opportunities and inspiring a wave of visionary change-makers within this accelerated cultural producer programme – indeed transformative.”

The Cultural Producers Programme is a testament to the ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative sector in South Africa. By investing in the next generation of leaders, the programme paves the way for a brighter future for the cultural landscape.

Meet the 2024 Cultural Producers Programme cohort:

• Alexia Stramrood - Gaming/generative AI (Cape Town)
• Amogelang Pila Ditlhale – Visual artist/arts administrator /cultural producer (Pretoria)
• Bongani Masela – Software engineer (Durban)
• Colleen Balchin – Cultural practitioner/DJ (Johannesburg)
• Fleur de Bondt – Creator (Gauteng)
• Lana Combrinck – Visual artist (Free State)
• Menzi Mkhonza – Business designer/design researcher/platform creator/alchemist (Nelspruit)
• Mogale Sedibe – Author (Northern Cape)
• Mosa Rabannye – Actor/writer/director (Botshabelo)
• Ntsikelelo Ngaleka – Radio producer/facilitator/curator (Johannesburg)
• Odwa Bungu – Author, poet/director (East London)
• Oratile Mothoagae – Architect, filmmaker (Johannesburg)
• Rae Human – Filmmaker/festival curator (Western Cape)
• Yusra Peters – Writer/director/producer/activist (Cape Town)