ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - Business and Arts South Africa

MICHELLE
CONSTANT
Chief Executive
Officer’s Review
“We do not know how long this crisis will last
and how deep it will become. But when it is
over, those who have invested in creativity
and innovation will find themselves
well ahead of the pack.” Jan Figel, EU
Commissioner for Education, Training,
Culture and Multilinguilism
Business and Arts South Africa Highlights of 2009/2010
- Growth in arts sponsorship, approx R350 million, as
tracked by BMI BASA Artstrack Research
- Supporting Grant Leverage R1: R16
- Increase in entries by nearly 40% for the 13th Annual
Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo
American
- Growth in media coverage of both Business and Arts
South Africa, and its members, over the last 12 months
- Growth in page views on website, both nationally and
internationally
In 2009/2010 Business and Arts South Africa continued to
address its mandate, despite budgetary challenges from
the business environment.
There is no doubt that the last year has been one of
the most challenging yet for the arts, not only in South
Africa, but globally as well. The impact of the recession
is ongoing, and businesses internationally and locally
continue to deal with the fallout of the recession. Likewise
the 2010 FIFA World Cup, despite being a powerful nationbuilding
tool, saw a shift of Marketing and CSI budgets
away from the arts arena in many cases.
Nevertheless at Business and Arts South Africa, the goal
remains the same – a perfectly matched partnership
where everyone is successfully engaged; and one, which
grows diverse communities from seed to strength to
sustainability.
As can been seen from our many projects in the Strategic
Overview, we continue to act as a facilitator and connector.
Furthermore, we have used the year to drive two areas
of focus. The first, with a specific focus on business, has
been to actively promote the value of supporting the arts,
even in these difficult times. This has been done through
high-end advocacy and a bespoke research offering for
members. This research has focused on the different
needs and goals of business - geographic, genre specific,
marketing challenges etc. The success of this has been
noted, and in the new financial year we are looking to
expand this offering, at a nominal fee for our members.
The release of our BMI BASA Artstrack Research 2009,
earlier this year, also offered valuable insight into the
Arts Funding Environment. This year, we also made
presentations to businesses and Business School MBA
students, with the idea that new measurement tools
might be imagined, as regards “Return on Investment” for
arts support. As regards cultural advocacy, over the last
financial year I was able to represent Business and Arts
South Africa, and its members, at the International Forum
for Cultural Diplomacy in Spain and the MIDEM Music Fair
in France. I am extremely appreciative of the opportunities,
that both offered.
The second area of support has been in the arena of
education and development, for the arts community.
Crucially the Artstrack research has shown us that business
requires the arts to be more organized in their approach
to sponsorship and financial support. Our BASA Mentorship
Programme, now supported by Standard Bank, continues
to grow around the country. Currently we have around 55
Mentors who use their knowledge and talents to develop
arts organisations, growing their skills and sustainability.
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