Entries for the 14th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, close on May 20.
From the Press Release: “Businesses are urged to submit nominations timeously particularly in light of the number of public holidays in April and May. The Awards recognise and encourage excellence and innovation in the field of business support for the arts. Imaginative, innovative and cost-effective partnerships between business and the arts are highlighted, demonstrating the potential for synergy, the window of mutual opportunity and the far reaching benefits for business, for the arts, and for all South Africans. In total, the awards feature 15 categories (see list below) with 12 of these being open for general entry. They cover a wide range of creative mediums with architecture joining other disciplines such as design, visual arts, dance, theatre, physical performance, fashion and music in being eligible for recognition. Nominations are now open in the following categories: – Innovation Award — This award recognises the most innovative and progressive partnership in all mediums of creativity; one that has served all the partners’ purposes effectively over the past 12 months and highlighted creativity and originality in the process. -First Time Sponsor Award — For a business supporting the arts for the first time, regardless of size, budget, or whether it is CSI or marketing. -Increasing Access to the Arts Award — For a partnership that has encouraged specific audience engagement with the arts or has made a significant contribution to brand, market and audience development, while still promoting the business through above-the-line media or a partnership that has made a significant contribution to regeneration or sustainable growth through a CSI budget. -International Sponsorship Award — Awarded to a global-level partnership that builds brand reputation and audience for both the business and arts organisations across international borders through an event or marketing project showcasing SA to the rest of the world, and/or bringing international arts projects to South Africa. -Sustainable Partnership Award — A company which has significantly developed and expanded its commitment to an arts project over three years or longer. The value to the arts project, the broader community and the business, must be apparent. -Media Sponsorship Award — For consistent and innovative support given by electronic, print, broadcast and web based media. -Single Strategic Project Award — For an outstanding single sponsorship, with best use of a project, which is an integral part of the sponsor’s overall brand and marketing programme. -Small Business Award — For vital support given to the arts by a small company with one to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10 million. -Sponsorship In Kind Award — For a company giving non-financial support to the arts. -Youth Development Award — For projects which involve young artists and/or young audiences; an educational and development element should be implicit in the sponsorship. -Arts and Environment Award — For business support of arts and culture projects which contribute towards the sustainability of the environment. -Mentor of the Year Award — Recognises the long-term contribution of a volunteer business mentor to arts organisations through the Mentorship Programme, and only mentors from the BASA Mentorship Programme are eligible for this Award Categories to be awarded by the chairman and the judging panel: -Diplomacy in the Arts — Given in recognition of Foreign Missions which contribute to the development and preservation of the arts in South Africa as well as the continued prioritisation of cultural diplomacy between South Africa and the international community. -Art Champion Award — Awarded to an individual for outstanding achievement in the encouragement of business support for the arts. -Chairman’s Premier Award — This is made at the discretion of the Chairman of BASA and recognises sustained and extraordinary commitment to the arts in South Africa. The easy-to-use online nomination system can be accessed on the BASA website at www.basa.co.za. The awards section features guidelines, rules and regulations and online nomination forms. Those requiring more information can also call the BASA offices on 011 832 3000/3039/3042 or e-mail . The Awards are audited by Grant Thornton. NOTES FOR EDITORS About Business and Arts South Africa: Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) is an internationally recognised South African development agency which incorporates the arts into, and contributes to, corporates’ commercial success. With a suite of integrated programmes, Business and Arts South Africa encourages mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts. Business and Arts South Africa was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative of government and the business sector, to secure the future development of the arts industry in South Africa, through increased corporate sector involvement. Established as a Section 21 company, Business and Arts South Africa is accountable to both government and its business members.”
